Northwest Blooms · Bulbs
Eucomis 'Rhode Island Red'
Rhode Island Red Pineapple Lily
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Height
- 1 to 2 feet
- Width
- 1 to 2 feet
- Flower color
- Pinkish-purple, pineapple-like flower spikes
- Foliage color
- Dark green to burgundy
- Bloom time
- Late summer to early fall
- Light
- Full sun to partial shade
- Water
- Moderate
- Maintenance
- Low; cut back after flowering
- Growing zone
- USDA zones 7 to 10
- Wildlife
- Attracts bees, butterflies, and other pollinators
About this plant
Eucomis 'Rhode Island Red' is an exotic-looking perennial prized for its rich burgundy foliage and unique flower spikes. In early to mid-summer, it produces tall flower stalks topped with dense clusters of star-shaped, mauve-pink to purple flowers. These blooms are crowned by a tuft of leafy bracts, giving the plant its characteristic "pineapple-like" appearance. As the flowers mature, the burgundy stems and foliage intensify in color, creating a striking contrast with the delicate blooms.
'Rhode Island Red' is native to South Africa, where its genus, Eucomis, thrives in rocky grasslands. This variety, known for its ornamental value, has become popular in temperate gardens worldwide for its unique combination of dramatic foliage and long-lasting blooms, which can also be used in cut flower arrangements.
Works well in
Borders · Cottage Gardens · Under Trees · Containers · Cut Flower Gardens
Companion plants
Lungworts · Daylilies · Japanese anemones · Bleeding hearts · Catmint · Heucheras
Design tip
Late flowers extend the season, so set it behind or beside plants that finish in midsummer. Drift them in uneven groups for a natural look, and interplant with perennials that fill the gap after the leaves die back.
Where to see it
This plant can be seen in the perennial border at the Bellevue Botanical Garden.
