comosa Etanga

Eucomis (pineapple flowers)  may look exotic, with their blooms being crowned by a tuft of leaves, but they are, in fact, quite easy to grow. Try them in containers on the patio and in the conservatory, or a sunny border in the garden.

Frost-hardy pineapple flowers can be grown outdoors in the southern parts of the UK, but in other areas, grow them in containers and move to a sheltered position when the weather cools.

Keep plants well watered during the growing season (April to early October). Don’t let them dry out, as you won’t get such a good flowering display.

Each spring, top-dress with a general fertiliser, such as Growmore or fish blood and bone, at 50-70g per square metre (1½-2oz per square yard).