Eucomis comosa Sparkling Rosy - Pineapple flower

Eucomis 'Sparkling Rosy' is a particularly vigorous and delightfully colourful variety of pineapple lily. In summer, its powerful rootstock gives rise to a long spike densely adorned with small pink flowers, emerging from dark purple crown-like foliage, similar to that of pineapples. This somewhat extravagant plant is quite hardy, excelling in pots and borders. It provides excellent cut flowers for bouquets. It should be planted in rich, moist, and well-drained soil to maintain the intensity of its colours in the sun.

Eucomis Sparkling Rosy belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is a horticultural selection derived from E. comosa, native to southern Africa. It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial, developing from a large bulb. Over time, it forms a 70cm (28in) tall flowering clump, occupying 60cm (24in) of width at ground level. In spring, a voluminous rosette of glossy green-purple leaves emerges, sometimes marginated with fuchsia and with a Bordeaux-red centre. Initially of modest size, they grow and expand until flowering. They are thick, long, and linear, arranged in a crown around a central axis. In the heart of summer (in July-August), this eucomis unfurls a tall purple flower spike covered with tiny pink flowers, crowned with a small bouquet of leaves, like the one found at the top of a pineapple. The flowering is followed by the formation of highly decorative pods. This plant produces bulblets around the mother bulb, helping the clump to slowly expand over time.

Plant Eucomis 'Sparkling Rosy' in a rockery or in a well-draining border, alongside kniphofias, crocosmias, and Gladiolus callianthus. It alone creates magnificent borders near pathways. It will also look elegant alongside helxine, columbines, ferns, tall foxgloves, or carpets of violets. Hardy down to -10°C (14°F), Eucomis 'Sparkling Rosy' thrives in full sun or partial shade in any well-drained, rich, and moist soil. It is also easy to grow in a pot (which allows for overwintering), and its long-lasting flowers make beautiful exotic bouquets.