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Eucomis spp.
pineapple lily
Overview
Eucomis is a genus of about a dozen bulbous perennials in the family Asparagaceae, native to southern Africa. Each bulb produces a basal rosette of strap-shaped leaves 8-24 inches (20-60 cm) long, sometimes spotted or flushed purple beneath. In mid- to late summer a thick, often mottled flower stalk rises 12-30 inches (30-75 cm), packed with dozens of star-shaped flowers in greenish-white, cream, pink, or wine-purple and topped by a tuft of leafy bracts that gives the group its common name, pineapple lily. The flowers are followed by three-winged seed capsules, and the whole spike holds its shape for many weeks. Species range from the compact E. bicolor to the tall E. pole-evansii, which can exceed 5 feet (1.5 m). In the wild they grow in seasonally moist grassland and on rocky slopes, growing actively in the summer rains and resting in winter. Plants need full sun and fertile, well-drained soil; the dormant bulbs tolerate only light frost and are lifted or heavily mulched where winters fall below about 10°F (-12°C). Some flowers carry a musky scent that draws flies and wasps rather than bees.
Native Range
Eucomis spp. is native to southern Africa, concentrated in South Africa, Lesotho, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. Species grow in summer-rainfall grassland, marshy ground, and on rocky slopes from near sea level to montane elevations.Suggested Uses
Eucomis spp. is grown in sunny borders, gravel gardens, and large containers, and the long-lasting spikes are cut for arrangements. In cold-winter regions it is grown as a patio container plant overwintered indoors.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height1' - 5'
Width/Spread8" - 1'6"
Bloom Information
Eucomis spp. flowers in mid- to late summer, mainly July through September. Each spike opens its flowers from the base upward over several weeks and holds its shape as the seed capsules form. The bracted topknot persists well after the flowers fade.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish-white, cream, pink, or purpleFoliage Description
green, sometimes purple-spottedGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Eucomis spp. in full sun and fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained soil, planting bulbs 5-6 inches (12-15 cm) deep in spring. Water generously during summer growth and feed monthly, then withhold water as foliage yellows in autumn and the bulb enters dormancy. In zones 7 and warmer the bulbs overwinter in the ground under a thick mulch; in colder regions they are lifted and stored frost-free, or grown in containers moved under cover. Bulbs rot in cold, wet winter soil. Clumps flower more freely when left undisturbed for several years.Pruning
Eucomis spp. needs no pruning. Cut flower spikes after the capsules ripen unless seed is wanted, and clear away the leaves once they have yellowed and died back.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons