Pineapple Lily Thrives for Five Years in
A gardener in Washington shares a five-year success story with a 'Sparkling Burgundy' pineapple lily, detailing its care, growth, and resilience against
A 'Sparkling Burgundy' pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy', Zones 6-9) is thriving in its fifth year in a garden in Mill Creek, Washington. The plant's owner, Lila, a longtime GPOD contributor, purchased it from a local nursery in May 2022.
Lila first saw the plant in a friend's garden years ago and was drawn to its tropical appearance. She knew she had to have one. Her planting criteria were straightforward. The spot needed lots of sun. It also had to be visible from the main patio and from inside the house.
Growth and Protection
The pineapple lily has multiplied significantly over the years. Initially, the garden had a rabbit problem. For protection, Lila surrounded the plant with green fencing almost year-round. This spring, she decided to take a risk. The fencing was removed in June. Apparently, pineapple lily was not on the rabbit's menu. By late August, the mature plant was still thriving without any protection.
Photographs document the plant's journey. In May 2022, it was a small nursery plant waiting to be planted. By August 2023, it was surrounded by protective fencing. A substantial flower spike became the star in August 2024. More stalks appeared by August 2025 as the plant established itself.
Garden Companions and Characteristics
The pineapple lily creates a striking combination with other plants in Lila's garden. These include coneflower (Echinacea hybrid, Zones 4-9), zonal geranium (Pelargonium × hortorum, grown as an annual), and bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla, Zones 5-9).
A closer look reveals the plant's dense cylindrical raceme. It is made up of dozens of small, six-petaled, star-shaped flowers. The blooms open from the bottom of the flower spike upward. A tuft of leafy bracts at the top creates the characteristic pineapple-like appearance.
A Question of Division
With the plant flourishing, Lila is now pondering whether and when to divide it. Since it is flowering beautifully, there is no immediate need to disturb the clump. However, if she wants to propagate more plants or eventually control its size, she can separate the bulb offsets it naturally produces. This division is best done in spring.
The garden update was shared as Lila and her husband Dave celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on August 27. The celebration coincided with their daughter's 55th birthday.
