Eucomis comosa Leia - Pineapple flower

Eucomis 'Leia' is a compact variety of pineapple lily that produces an abundance of colourful flowers. In summer, its rhizome gives rise to several densely packed upright floral stems adorned with small beautiful purplish-pink flowers that emit a delicious coconut scent. They emerge from foliage with undulating edges arranged in a crown, resembling that of pineapples. This lovely plant is quite hardy in dry soil. It works wonders in pots and borders, and provides excellent flowers for bouquets.

Eucomis 'Leia' belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is a horticultural selection derived from E. comosa, native to southern Africa. It is a perennial herbaceous plant with deciduous foliage in winter, developing from a large bulb. Over time, it forms a clump measuring 35 to 45cm (14 to 18in) in height when in bloom, and about 40cm (16in) in width on the ground. In spring, its foliage emerges in a voluminous rosette of shiny light green leaves. Initially small in size, they grow and amplify until flowering. They are thick, long, and linear, arranged in a crown around a central axis. In the heart of summer (July-August), this eucomis displays a sturdy floral stem covered with tiny star-shaped pink flowers, topped with a small bouquet of leaves, similar to the one found at the top of a pineapple fruit. The flowering is followed by the formation of highly decorative pods. This plant produces bulblets around the main bulb, helping the clump to slowly expand over time. Its vegetation disappears in winter.

Plant Eucomis 'Leia' in rockeries or in the edge of well-drained flower beds, alongside dwarf kniphofias, compact agapanthus, libertias, and Gladiolus callianthus, for example. On its own, it creates magnificent borders near pathways. It will also look elegant alongside columbines or carpets of violets. Hardy to -10°C (14°F), Eucomis 'Leia' grows in full sun or partial shade in well-draining, rich, and moist soil. It is also easy to grow in pots (which allows it to be stored during winter), and its long-lasting flowers are perfect for creating beautiful exotic bouquets.