Eucomis

This is a spectacular and variable form of pineapple lily. The leaves are spear shaped, up to 2ft (60cm) long and can be either green, or green with a purplish margin. The flowers on the green leaved forms are usually cream with pink centres but occasionally bear pink flowers - the flower spikes rise to around 30" (75cm) with a dainty bract of leaflets atop. The sweet-scented flowers are pollinated by hoverflies and butterflies. In the wild this form of Pineapple Lily is supported by growing amongst tall grasses, but in our 'tidy' gardens it will appreciate a little support for the flower stems as them grow. It is superb in a container or in a sunny sheltered border. Bulbs in pots should be kept dry and frost free in winter, bulbs in the ground like a grit mulch.