Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ is a striking pineapple lily cultivar known for its bold, dark burgundy foliage that deepens with strong sunlight. In summer, it produces upright stems topped with dense spires of starry purple flowers crowned with leafy bracts, giving the plant its pineapple-like look. It originates from South African Eucomis species found in grasslands and rocky slopes. In gardens, it is valued for its dramatic colour shift from spring through summer and its ability to provide exotic flair in borders or containers.
| KEY PLANT INFORMATION | |
|---|---|
| Family: | Asparagaceae |
| Plant Type: | Bulbous perennial |
| Plant Colours: | Burgundy leaves, purple-pink blooms |
| Flowering period: | Mid to late summer |
| Fragrance: | Light, mildly sweet scent |
| Mature Height: | 45 and 75 cm (18–30 in) |
| Light Requirements: | Full sun – partial shade |
| Water Requirements: | Regular moisture, well-drained |
| Cold Hardiness: | −7 °C / 20 °F |
| Difficulty: | Easy to moderate |
Plant Type
Bulbous perennial
This cultivar is a bulbous perennial grown for its ornamental foliage and architectural flower spikes. It emerges from a fleshy bulb each spring, forming a rosette of strap-like leaves with rich burgundy tones. Through the growing season it behaves reliably like other summer bulbs, thriving in warm soils and benefiting from consistent moisture. Its growth cycle aligns with summer-active perennials, dying back completely in winter. As a perennial bulb, it works well in mixed borders, exotic-style gardens, or feature containers.
Mature Height
45 and 75 cm (18–30 in)
Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ typically grows between 45 and 75 cm (18–30 in) tall when in full bloom, with the flower spike contributing most of the height. The foliage alone tends to stay around 30–45 cm. Its upright yet compact structure makes it suitable for both foreground and mid-border use. Height can vary depending on soil richness, watering, and sunlight intensity—plants grown in strong sun with adequate moisture tend to produce sturdier stems and deeper leaf colouration.
Light Requirements
Full sun – Partial shade
Full sun brings out the richest burgundy shades in the leaves, making sunlight a key factor in the plant’s ornamental value. It can tolerate bright partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but leaf colour may soften to greenish tones. Morning sun with afternoon shade is often ideal where summers are very hot. In cooler regions, as much direct sun as possible helps encourage sturdy growth and strong flowering. Good light also reduces the risk of pale, floppy foliage.
Water Requirements
Moderate
Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ enjoys consistently moist but well-drained soil during the active growing season. It appreciates regular watering, particularly in warm weather when the foliage and flower spike are developing. However, the bulb is prone to rot if left in waterlogged soil. Container-grown plants should be watered deeply but allowed to drain freely. Once the plant begins to fade in autumn, watering should be reduced significantly, keeping the soil only lightly moist as the bulb enters dormancy.
Cold Hardiness
−7 °C (20 °F)
The plant is hardy to around −7 °C (20 °F) when grown in well-drained soil and mulched for winter protection. In colder climates, bulbs should be lifted and stored dry indoors or grown in containers that can be moved to frost-free shelters. Wet, freezing soils pose the greatest risk, as the bulbs are sensitive to both rot and hard frosts. In mild regions, simply cutting back spent foliage and adding a deep mulch layer is usually enough to ensure successful overwintering.
Propagation tips
Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ can be propagated by bulb offsets, leaf cuttings, or seed. Offsets are the easiest—lift the bulb in late autumn or early spring, separate the small bulbs that form around the parent, and replant them. Leaf cuttings taken in early summer can produce new bulblets when inserted into a gritty medium, though this method takes longer. Seed propagation is possible but may not come true to the parent plant. Ensure young bulbs are kept warm and well-drained.
