About
In late summer and autumn, dark red, upright stems carry dense spikes of scented, rose-pink, star-shaped flowers, opening from dark red buds, topped with a cluster of purple-flushed, dark green, leaf-like bracts. A bulbous perennial to 60cm, producing a rosette of strap-shaped, dark green leaves flushed with purple. Purple seed pods follow.
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
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 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
FragranceFlower
Care notes
CultivationPlant 15cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Mulch well to retain soil moisture and protect from winter cold. Alternatively, grow in free-draining compost, well-watered, and take under cover for winter. See Eucomis cultivation
PruningRemove flower spikes once the display is over and allow foliage to die down naturally
PropagationPropagate by removing offsets in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free