Eucomis bicolor 2ltr pot

Bring a touch of the exotic to the garden with Eucomis bicolor, a striking bulb prized for its unusual, pineapple-like flower spikes. A real talking point in late summer, it brings architectural drama to borders and containers alike.

Sturdy, upright stems rise to around 30-45cm (12-18in), topped with dense spikes of star-shaped, pale green flowers edged in deep purple-maroon, finished off with a distinctive topknot of leafy bracts, giving the unmistakable pineapple-like appearance the plant is named for. The broad, strap-shaped leaves, often with wavy, purple-tinged margins, form an attractive rosette at the base and add interest even before flowering begins.

Best planted in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil, Eucomis bicolor is borderline hardy in much of the UK and benefits from a thick mulch over winter in milder areas, or lifting and storing where conditions are colder and wetter. It also performs well in pots, where drainage is easier to control and the bulbs can be moved under cover for winter protection.

Ideal for late-summer borders, exotic and gravel gardens, and container displays, this eye-catching bulb offers real structure and novelty at a time when many other plants are past their best.

How to grow: Plant bulbs in spring, 10-15cm deep, in full sun and well-drained soil, with the tip just below the surface. Water during the growing season and protect from excessive winter wet. Mulch well in autumn or lift and store in frost-free conditions in colder gardens.

Each bulb is hand-selected for strong, healthy growth.