About
A bulbous perennial to 70cm, producing a rosette of strap-shaped, wavy-edged, mid-green leaves lightly flushed with purple. Purple seed pods follow. In summer, dark red, upright stems carry dense spikes of greenish-white, star-shaped flowers, opening from pink buds, topped with a cluster of green, leaf-like bracts edged in purple.
About the genus
Eucomis are bulbous perennials forming a large basal rosette of strap-shaped leaves, with an erect stem bearing a dense raceme of star-shaped flowers, topped by a crown of leafy bracts, opening in late summer and early autumn
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Care notes
CultivationPlant 15cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Mulch well in colder areas. See eucomis cultivation
PruningRemove flower spikes once the display is over and allow foliage to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by removing offsetts in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free