Eucomis

( YEW - kom - iss )

At-A-Glance Information

Commonly 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 to flower well. They are native to tropical regions of southern Africa and make eye-catching 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.

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, 'Oakhurst' also has dark leaves, and 'Freckles' has variegated foliage.

Eucomis grimshawii
Native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa, this species was first described in 2010. These bulbs are summer-growers and produce green foliage and slightly fragrant light green flowers. Flowering stems are maroon to dark purple, typically marked with darker colors.

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 montana 
Native to South Africa, this species reaches up to a foot and a half tall and produces a dense spike of greenish-red flowers topped with a head of green bracts. Foliage is green and has wavy margins and flowering stems are red. 

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 vandermerwei (Pineapple Lily)
One of the smaller species in the genus, these plants reach about 8 inches tall and produce unpleasant-smelling maroon to purple flowers on inflorescences topped with comas of purple-mottled green bracts. Stems are also green with purple to dark red markings.

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

Eucomis can be planted in the ground or in containers. These flowers are typically planted as bulbs or seeds, though some specialty nurseries will sometimes carry specimens for purchase. Bulbs should be planted in fall about 6-8 inches deep (with the growing tip facing upwards) and a foot apart. Seeds are sown in springtime. Plant these flowering beauties in a spot in the landscape that receives between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day. They appreciate warm areas, so try to plant them in a space that is protected from cool, drying winds. Eucomis flowers prefer fertile soil that is well-draining.  If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Water new plants regularly as they establish a strong root system. At maturity, water plants regularly in spring and summertime, increasing irrigation in periods of drought. In winter, when plants are dormant, withhold irrigation to avoid bulbs rotting out under the soil surface. It is a good idea to mulch around the base of plants after installing to increase soil moisture retention, suppress weed growth, and maintain constant soil temperatures.

Fertilize yearly in early springtime with a application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. To maintain good plant health and vigor, make sure to divide plants every five to six years (more often if grown in smaller pots). For instructions on how to divide Eucomis plants, see the Propagation section below. If your area freezes in wintertime, add more mulch to protect the underground bulbs before low temperatures begin. Prune off spent flowering spikes to clean up the look of plants. Once foliage dies back at the end of the growing season, it can be removed.

Propagation

Pineapple Lilies produce seed pods after flowers fade.
Eucomis seeds are typically dark brown to black in color, and are tapered towards one end.

Problems and Pests

Eucomis plants are typically pest and disease free additions to the garden, though they can have problems from time to time with the following:
  • Cutworms
  • Leaf Miners
  • Mealybugs
  • Botrytis
  • Slugs and Snails
  • Aphids
For more information on these pests and diseases, including how to treat and prevent them, consult the following pages:
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Gallery

Eucomis plants add tropical vibes to beds.
These flowers can be grown in-ground or in containers.
Camellia hiemalis 'Shishi Gashira'
Bees are important pollinators of Eucomis flowers.
Peach daylilies compliment purple-foliaged Eucomis in this mixed border.
Here, Eucomis is planted alongside Fuchsia, Miscanthus, Persicaria, and Hydrangea.

Videos

Learn about Pineapple Lilies.
An introduction to these tropical-looking plants.
How to divide and repot these plants.
Planting instructions for Eucomis.

Resources

Eucomis (Pineapple Lily)
How to Grow and Care for Pineapple Lilies
How to Grow Pineapple Lilies
How to Grow Eucomis and the Best Types to Plant
Wikipedia: Eucomis
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Page 313, Eucomis
If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or photos you’d like to add to the gallery, please let me know by sending me a message using the button below!
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