Eucomis humilis Twinkle Stars - Pineapple flower

Eucomis 'Twinkle Stars' is nicknamed "pineapple lily" because its purplish-pink inflorescences are topped with a tuft of green bracts like a pineapple.

This hybrid variety is derived from a selection of E. humilis, a robust and endemic species of the mountainous region of the Drakensberg. 'Twinkle Stars' forms a large rosette of fleshy leaves measuring approximately 40cm (16in) in diameter. In summer, large inflorescences with purple-violet stems develop in the middle of the rosette, reaching a height of 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in). The purplish pink flowers are clustered on a dense spike and end with a tuft of green bracts, like a pineapple flower. 

Hardy to at least -10°C (14°F), Eucomis 'Twinkle Star' grows in full sun or partial shade in any well-drained, rich, and moist soil. The bulb is particularly sensitive to excess water in winter, so it is important to provide it with drainage using sand or gravel in regions with humid winters. If in doubt, it is wise to overwinter the bulb in a dry, frost-free place, or to cultivate it in a pot.

Plant Eucomis 'Twinkle Stars' en masse in a meadow garden with grasses, or in a modern garden where its inflorescences will provide a highly sought-after contrast.