It has been some time since I last took time to write about what interests me most ... gardening. In the interim, life got in the way in the form of family illness and a full time business designing, installing and caring for clients' gardens. The fact that it is a grey day in Winter has brought me back to where I began. Years ago when my children were small, at the end of the day, I would use garden planning as the remedy for the winter blues. Today, I was thinking about a client's enclosed patio and decided to share the plant I had suggested she try in one of her containers this spring/summer. This particular client always brings a smile to my face with her funloving, quirky disposition. The plant I suggested evokes the same response. I am referring to the Pineapple Lily (eucomis comosa), which I originally discovered at the entrance to a beautiful old garden in Cincinnati. After some investigating, I learned that the Pineapple Lily was a native of South Africa and was typically hardy through zone 7. That was somewhat discouraging until further research revealed 'Sparkling Burgundy',a variety that is hardier and boasts gorgeous color in both flowers and leaves. The species is a long lived plant that is happiest in sun and can live in a wide range of soils and is amazing in containers! It reaches 18"-24" in height and blooms from midsummer to early fall. An added bonus is its pest resistence and attraction to butterflies and other pollinators. If you are looking for something striking, unusual, needs little care and can be used directly in the garden or as the centerpiece for your containers, look no further.
Advocate Gardens 