Much of my garden looks withered and tired in this heat, so I appreciate any plant that stands up and blooms mid-July. That’s when the Eucomis ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ plants burst into bloom.

These blooms are visited by many insects. They are especially loved by bumble bees and Hummingbird moths.

This group has slowly spread over the years to form a lovely display. The plants have lost some of their color because they are not in full sun. I will eventually move the perimeter plants to a sunnier location to regain the burgundy spots.

A tiny version of Eucomis stays in pots. Its name is ‘Aloha.’ The blooms are the size of a thumbprint.

Eucomis plants originated in Africa, so they can take our North Carolina heat.

The bulbs are poisonous which means they are not eaten by my little friends.

FLOWER