Scientific Name
Eucomis bicolor Baker
Common Name(s)
Variegated Pineapple Lily, Variegated Pineapple Flower, Two-colored Pineapple Lily, King's Flower, Forest Pineapple Flower, Pineapple Lily
Scientific Classification
Family: Asparagaceae
Subfamily: Scilloideae
Genus: Eucomis
Flower
Color: Pale green
Bloom Time: Late summer
Description
Eucomis bicolor is a bulbous perennial with a basal rosette of wavy, up to 20 inches (50 cm) long leaves. It grows up to 2 feet (60 cm) tall. In late summer, it produces a stout stem bearing racemes of pale green, purple margined flowers with a terminal rosette of pale green leafy bracts.
Hardiness
USDA hardiness zone 8a to 10b: from 10 °F (−12.2 °C) to 40 °F (+4.4 °C).
How to Grow and Care
Pineapple Lilies look exotic, but they're actually very easy to grow. Simply plant the bulbs in spring after all danger of frost has passed. Wait until the soil temperature is 65°F (18°C) or warmer, as Eucomis bulbs will not grow in cold soil. It typically takes 3 to 4 weeks for the plant's leaves to begin emerging from the bulb.
Grow Pineapple Lilies in loose, well-drained soil. Heavy or soggy soil may cause the bulbs to rot. At the start of the growing season, it's best to keep the soil barely moist. Once the plant has several leaves, start watering consistently, keeping the soil relatively moist until after flowering.
In late summer, flower stalks emerge from the plant's center and will rise to a height of 12 to 18 inches (30 to 45 cm). Each flower is a column of florets crowned with a topknot of tiny leaves. The florets open slowly over three weeks or more from the bottom up. After the petals drop, they are replaced by attractive seed capsules.
A dose of liquid fertilizer every 2 to 3 weeks will help keep Eucomis plants lush and vigorous.
See more at: How to Grow and Care for Pineapple Lilies.
Origin
This species is native to South Africa and Lesotho.
Links
- Back to genus Eucomis
- Plantpedia: Browse flowering plants by Scientific Name, Common Name, Genus, Family, USDA Hardiness Zone, or Origin
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