Eucomis wandermerwei Freckles - Pineapple flower

Eucomis 'Freckles' is a unique perennial bulbous plant with a compact habit, often referred to as the pineapple lily due to the shape of its flower. It is topped with a tuft of leaves. This variety produces short inflorescences adorned with small red flowers in the heart of summer. Its violet bulb produces olive-green undulate foliage, variegated with purple. This somewhat extravagant plant is quite hardy. It thrives in pots and borders, and provides excellent flowers for bouquets. It should be planted in rich, moist, and well-draining soil to maintain the intensity of its colours when exposed to sunlight.

Eucomis 'Freckles' belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is a horticultural variety resulting from the cross-breeding of E. zambesiaca and E. vandermerwei, both native to southern Africa. It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that develops from a large bulb. Over time, it forms a clump that reaches a height of 25cm (10in) and spreads 35cm (14in) on the ground. In spring, it produces a rosette of shiny olive-green leaves, speckled with purple and red. The leaves are initially small. They are thick, long, and linear, arranged in a crown around a central axis. In the heart of summer (July-August), it produces short flower spikes nestled in the foliage, adorned with tiny red flowers, and topped with a small bouquet of variegated leaves, similar to the crown found on 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 'Freckles' in a rock garden or at the edge of a well-draining flower bed, alongside kniphofias, crocosmias, and Gladiolus callianthus. On its own, it creates magnificent borders near pathways. It will also look stunning when paired with helxine, columbines, ferns, tall foxgloves, or carpets of violets.

Hardy down to -15°C (5°F), Eucomis 'Freckles' grows in full sun or partial shade in warm climates, in any well-draining, rich, and moist soil. It is also easy to cultivate in pots, and its long-lasting flowers are perfect for creating beautiful exotic bouquets.