Eucomis 'Dark Star'

RHS Plant Profile
pineapple lily 'Dark Star'
pineapple lily 'Dark Star' John Fielding
Bulbs

A bulbous perennial to 30cm, producing a rosette of dark green, lance-shaped leaves, heavily mottled and flushed with dark purple. In late summer to early autumn, dark red, upright stems carry dense spires of dark red flowers, topped with a cluster of dark green and purple, leaf-like bracts

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Tufted
Genus
Eucomis are bulbous perennials forming a large basal rosette of strap-shaped leaves, with an erect stem bearing a dense raceme of star-shaped flowers, topped by a crown of leafy bracts, opening in late summer and early autumn
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant 15cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Mulch well in colder areas. See eucomis cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by removing offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required. Remove flower spikes once the display is over and allow foliage to die down naturally

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free