Eucomis
( YEW - kom - iss )
At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Pineapple Flower or Pineapple Lily, this genus of perennials grows from bulbs and needs full sun or light shade and regular water during growth and blooming periods. They are native to tropical regions of southern Africa and make interesting additions to cut flower arrangements. These beauties bloom in late summer to early fall, and the flowers are followed by attractive purple seed capsules. Grow Eucomis plants in containers or in the ground. They are wonderful in mixed beds, as edging, or as tropical additions around pools. Although these plants are mostly considered safe, there is some evidence that they can cause toxicity symptoms in humans and pets if ingested.
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Eucomis Species and Varietals
The genus Eucomis is a member of the plant family Asparagaceae and includes 13 species. These distinctive plants grow best in zones 4-9, 14-24, H1 and H2. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Eucomis autumnalis (Autumn Pineapple Flower, Autumn Pineapple Lily) Autumn Pineapple Lily is native to Malawi, Zimbabwe, and southern Arica, and forms a rosette of green leaves with wavy edges that can reach 18 inches in length. Spikes of flowers can reach a foot tall, and carry greenish-white flowers that bloom in late summer to early fall, lasting for a few weeks before drying on the plant. |
Eucomis bicolor (Variegated Pineapple Lily, Pineapple Lily) This species is native to southern Africa, and produces impressive flower spikes that can grow up to two feet tall, holding green flowers with purple edges in late summer. Leaves are green and wavy at the edges and reach 1 foot long. Flowers themselves have an unpleasant smell, but flies and pollinators are attracted to it. |
Eucomis comosa (Eucomis punctata) (Pineapple Flower, Pineapple Lily, Wine Eucomis) Thick spikes of flowers bloom in late summer in light green tinged pink or purple. These plants are native to Cape Provinces of South Africa. Stems are spotted purple at the base and reach 2-3 feet tall. Leaves are about two feet long. Variety 'Sparkling Burgundy' (pictured) has dark purple foliage. |
Eucomis humilis This species of Pineapple Lily is native to the South African provinces of Lesotho and KwaZulu-Natal. Plants bloom in summertime in their native range, and flowers are light green to purplish. These are commonly cultivated as outdoor ornamental plants in areas that do not receive winter frost conditions. |
Eucomis pallidiflora (Giant Pineapple Lily) This species is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant outdoors in areas that do not drop below freezing, and is also kept as a greenhouse specimen in other regions. Some forms can reach over 6.5 feet tall. Flowers are typically light yellow to greenish. Stems are green. |
Eucomis regia Cultivated as a greenhouse specimen or outdoor plant (in areas that do not receive frost), this species flowers from late winter though early springtime in its native range (South Africa). Blooms are greenish and unpleasant smelling, sometimes completely obscured by the green bracts at the top of the inflorescence. These plants are small for the genus, reaching just 8 inches tall at maturity. |
Eucomis zambesiaca Native to Zimbabwe through Malawi and South Africa, this species reaches about a foot tall when in bloom. Foliage is green and forms a basal rosette from which a green stem arises. Inflorescences are packed with creamy white flowers that turn green as they age. Flowers are sweetly scented. |
Caring for eucomis
These plants need rich soil amended with humus. Bulbs should be planted in fall about 6-8 inches deep and a foot apart. Easy to grow from seed sown in springtime. If your area freezes in wintertime, mulch to protect the underground bulbs. Divide every five to six years. They are great as potted plants. Tips of bulbs should be planted just under the soil surface in this situation and replanted yearly to maintain the correct soil health.
Propagation
Problems and Pests
Gallery
Videos
A video all about growing camellias successfully
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Propagating camellias
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Resources
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 313, Eucomis
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