Eucomis

Much like the famed chicken, this hybrid from Ed Bowen is destined to become a staple. But in our gardens rather than our tables. Ed crossed the giant of the genus, Eucomis autumnalis ssp. pole-evansii with E. 'Sparkling Burgundy' and got the pineapple lily of our dreams with big rich foliage and flowers.

Like a true American statesman this plant fulfills none of it's promises and gives you plenty of the unexpected. Contrary to it's common name of Pineapple Lily this is neither pineapple nor lily, luckily the unexpected reality is a shockingly easy South African summer bulb. Attractively lax rosettes of thick strappy light green leaves sometimes freckled red at the base. Flowers in a raucous spike of pink and white stars topped by an unkempt mop of green bracts, almost like a florist's recreation of a pineapple. Easy to please in a sunny spot with decent soil and can tolerate some degree of shade.