Pineapple Lily Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Rosy'
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as 'Sparkling Rosy' is a striking specimen well-regarded for its ornamental qualities. This plant is characterized by its rosette of wide, strap-like leaves that have a lush, deep green color with an enchanting reddish-pink tinge at the edges, giving a rosy appearance as the name suggests. Each leaf is textured with fine, parallel lines that add to its visual interest. During the blooming period, a prominent flower spike emerges. The bottom of the spike features star-shaped flowers that are typically light pink, and they transition to deeper pink or purple hues towards the top. The tip of the flower spike has a tuft of greenish bracts that resemble a pineapple's topknot, which adds to its exotic look. The overall impression is one of a tropical, flamboyant plant that can add color and a unique appearance to any garden display.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Pineapple Lily, Pineapple Flower
Common names
Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as pineapple lily has no known significant toxicity to humans. While it is considered safe, it is not generally listed as an edible plant, and as with any non-food plant, it is advisable to avoid ingesting it to prevent the possibility of an allergic reaction or gastrointestinal discomfort, which can sometimes occur from consuming non-culinary plants.
To pets
The pineapple lily is not commonly reported as a poisonous plant to pets. While it is not intended for consumption, it's always prudent with pets to prevent them from eating ornamental plants. Some animals may have sensitivities or allergic reactions that could cause mild gastrointestinal upset if they ingest parts of the plant. To be safe, keep an eye on your pet and contact your veterinarian if you suspect they have ingested any plant material and are showing signs of distress.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Mixed
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: This plant features eye-catching burgundy-striped foliage and dense clusters of star-shaped flowers that add a unique visual interest to any garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively resistant to drought, making it suitable for water-wise gardens.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers of the Pineapple Lily attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which can help pollinate surrounding plants.
- Easy to Grow: It is a low-maintenance plant that is tolerant of a wide range of soil types and can thrive with minimal care.
- Summer Blooming: It produces flowers in the summer when many other plants have finished blooming, offering a continued display of color.
- Versatile Planting: The Pineapple Lily can be used in flower beds, borders, container gardens, and as cut flowers for indoor arrangements.
- Deer Resistant: It’s typically not favored by deer, which helps to prevent damage and preserve the beauty of the garden.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pineapple lily bulbs can be used as a natural dye source for fabrics, imparting a range of colors depending on the mordant used.
- The leaves of the pineapple lily can be utilized in floral arrangements to provide exotic and tropical flair.
- The stem of pineapple lily, when cut and submerged in water, can be a striking centerpiece for minimalist decor.
- Dried seed heads of pineapple lilies can be used for ornamental purposes in dry bouquets or as decor during the fall and winter months.
- The plant can act as a barrier or border when planted in a row due to its thick foliage, providing a degree of privacy during its growing season.
- Pineapple lily sap contains mucilage that could potentially be used as a natural adhesive or binder in craft projects.
- The robust nature of pineapple lily leaves allows them to be used in eco-printing techniques to transfer their shape and pigments onto paper or fabric.
- When pineapple lily is in full bloom, it can serve as an educational tool to demonstrate pollination to students as it attracts various pollinators.
- The geometric patterns found in the florets can inspire designs and patterns in art or textiles, providing a natural muse for creatives.
- The spent flowers of the pineapple lily can be collected and used to make natural confetti for eco-friendly celebrations and events.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pineapple Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pineapple Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: The Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Rosy', commonly known as Pineapple Lily, is a symbol of exotic beauty due to its unique bloom that resembles a tropical pineapple, which is not commonly found in many gardens.
- Prosperity and Wealth: With its lush flowering and resemblance to the prosperous pineapple fruit, the Pineapple Lily is often considered a representation of wealth and abundance.
- Stunning Individuality: The Pineapple Lily stands out with its striking flowers and rosette of leaves at the base, symbolizing the uniqueness and the importance of embracing individuality.
- Charm and Attraction: The attractive and unusual appearance of the Pineapple Lily's flowers and foliage can symbolize charm and attractiveness, making it a favored decorative plant.
- Curiosity and New Discoveries: As a plant less common in traditional horticulture, Pineapple Lily may represent the joy of discovery and the spirit of curiosity in the world of gardening.
WaterThe Pineapple Lily should be watered deeply and allowed to almost dry out between waterings. It typically requires water once every 5 to 7 days during the active growing season, depending on the temperature and humidity. When watering, it is best to apply water directly to the soil and avoid getting water on the leaves or flower spikes to prevent rot. The amount needed can range from half a gallon to a full gallon at each watering, ensuring moisture penetrates the root zone. During the dormant period in winter, reduce watering to once every two to three weeks or less, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightThe Pineapple Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade. It does best with at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, but in hotter climates, it benefits from protection during the harshest afternoon sun. A spot with morning sunlight and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day is ideal for balanced growth and vibrant flowers.
TemperatureThe Pineapple Lily prefers temperatures between 60°F and 85°F, which encourage healthy growth. It is a hardy plant that can survive minimum temperatures down to around 30°F; however, prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures is harmful. Always ensure that the plant is not subjected to temperatures below freezing for extended periods.
PruningPruning the Pineapple Lily is primarily done to remove spent flowers and dead foliage, which can encourage new growth and improve the plant's appearance. Prune back the flower stalks after blooming and trim away any yellow or damaged leaves at the base as needed. The best time to prune is immediately after flowering or in the early spring before new growth begins.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPineapple lily thrives best in a well-draining soil mix that can retain some moisture; a blend of two parts loam, one part peat moss, and one part sharp sand or perlite is optimal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingPineapple lily should be repotted every two to three years or when it has outgrown its pot. It's best to repot in the spring before new growth starts.
Humidity & MistingPineapple lily prefers moderate humidity levels, typically around 40-60%. They do not require high humidity and can tolerate the humidity levels found in most homes.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and water when top soil is dry.
Outdoor
Plant in spring after frost; needs partial sun and well-drained soil.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe pineapple lily, Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Rosy', begins its life cycle when a bulb, typically planted in spring, enters a period of active growth as temperatures rise and days lengthen. Foliage emerges first, with rosettes of strappy leaves that are often tinged with purple or burgundy hues, indicating a healthy growth phase. In midsummer, the plant produces a central flower spike resembling a pineapple, hence its common name, topped with a tuft of leaflike bracts. After the flowers, which are star-shaped and might range in color from white to pink or purple, have been pollinated—usually by insects—the plant develops seed capsules if the conditions are suitable. Post-bloom, in late summer or early fall, the foliage begins to die back as the plant enters a dormancy stage, allowing the bulb to conserve energy. The bulb overwinters underground and, with proper care and favorable conditions, will sprout anew the following spring, repeating the cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Late Spring-Early Summer
The most popular method of propagating the Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy', commonly known as Pineapple Lily, is by dividing the offsets or bulbils that form around the base of the mother plant. The ideal time for this is in the spring, just as the plant is coming out of dormancy and the new growth begins to appear. Gardeners carefully dig up the bulb clusters, being cautious not to damage the main bulb, and remove the small offsets from the base of the plant. These bulbils are then planted in well-draining soil, at a depth of about 3 inches (or 7.6 centimeters) and spaced approximately 8 inches (20.3 centimeters) apart. Water the newly planted offsets well and maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, allowing for the formation of a strong root system. With proper care, these offsets will develop into blooming plants in the following growing seasons.
