Bulbs

Eucomis
pineapple lily

- Height 11/2-2 ft (45-60 cm)
- Planting distance 1 ft (30 cm)
- Flowers late summer to early fall
- Any good, well-drained soil
- Sunny, Sheltered site
- Bulbs available spring
- Hardy zones 9-10, to zone 8 with winter protection

The South African pineapple lily is named for the small tuft of pineapplelike leaf bracts found on top of the robust flower stem. This rises as a dense spike of starry flowers above a basal rosette of arching, bright green strap-shaped leaves. The species are reliably hardy only in the lower south and southern Pacific Coast. Here, they make unusual and exotic additions to late-summer beds. In the North they are suitable for growing in deep pots or tubs on a sunny patio.

Popular species and cultivars
Eucomis autumnalis grow 11/2 ft (45 cm) tall and has wavy edges to the leaves. The flower spikes, in early fall, are white, sometimes tinged green. The individual flowers expand to form wide stars. Eucomis bicolor is of similar height, with crimped leaf edges and very pale green flower spikes with petals edged in purple. Eucomis comosa, the tallest species, 2 ft (60 cm) or more high, has purple-spotted leaves and stems. Its scented flower spikes are greenish-yellow with lilac throats.

Bulbs