(punctata) – variable; dense spikes of green, purple and white, sweetly scented; bloom a bit later than others;18″-24″; whz 7-10; 1778; 18/20cm bulbs.
This amazingly easy and satisfying, critter resistant, South African native has a conical flower head filled with fragrant florets and topped with a peacock tuft of green leaves, resembling a pineapple. It’s so eye-catching in our garden but is also a striking centerpiece in containers on the patio. Loves to be in full sun but doesn’t mind partial shade in regular, well drained garden soil; its name translates to ‘beautifully headed’ which it really is!
Pineapple lily bulbs offer a uniquely exotic look that can add a touch of the tropics to any garden. With their spiky pineapple-shaped flower clusters topping slender arching foliage they provide fantastic vertical accents and exotic color. Pineapple lily bulbs are surprisingly easy to grow, thriving with minimal care once established. They bloom in mid to late summer, extending the garden season with their vibrant, long-lasting blooms. If you’re looking to add something truly eye-catching and unexpected to your garden beds or containers, pineapple lily bulbs are an outstanding choice.
An Overview of Pineapple Lily Bulbs
Pineapple lily bulbs belong to the Eucomis genus, which contains about 10 species native to South Africa. They are part of the Asparagaceae family, which also includes ornamental plants like hyacinths, agapanthus, and foxtail lilies. Eucomis is Greek for “beautifully headed,” an apt description of their distinctive pineapple-shaped flower clusters.
The most popular species grown as ornamentals are Eucomis comosa, also known as pineapple lily, and Eucomis autumnalis, known as autumn pineapple lily E comosa produces a cone of green-tipped, purple or white flowers, while E. autumnalis has more bronze-colored foliage and maroon flower spikes. There are also hybrid cultivars available in colors like pink, yellow, and bicolor.
In their native habitat, pineapple lily bulbs grow in rocky grasslands. Fortunately, they adapt well to cultivation in gardens across USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 11. They perform best in zones 8 to 10.
The Unique Appeal of Pineapple Lily Flowers
Pineapple lily’s exotic blooms are unlike any other flower. At first glance, they resemble a pineapple or mini palm tree bursting from the ground. Closer inspection reveals that the “pineapple” is actually a dense cone of star-shaped florets, often adorned with a crown of slender leaves. This highly ornamental flower structure never fails to attract attention.
Blooms emerge atop sturdy flower stalks in mid to late summer, extending the flowering season when many spring bulbs have finished. Flower colors include green, purple, white, pink, maroon, yellow, and bicolor variations. Darker varieties often have a velvety sheen to their petals.
The blooms are subtly fragrant, attracting pollinators to the garden. Butterflies especially enjoy sipping nectar from the small, starry florets.
Each cone contains dozens of individual florets, so the floral display lasts for weeks. The blooms are excellent for cutting and float beautifully in vase arrangements.
Caring for Pineapple Lily Bulbs
Pineapple lily bulbs are one of the easiest exotics you can grow. They require minimal care and are remarkably unfussy about soil and growing conditions. Here are some tips for getting the most from these bulbs:
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Planting: Pineapple lily bulbs are tender and should be planted in spring after the threat of frost has passed. Choose a site with full sun to part shade exposure. Space the bulbs 8 to 12 inches apart and plant with the neck just above soil level.
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Soil: Eucomis grow well in average garden soil as long as it has decent drainage. Enrich the planting area with compost or bulb fertilizer to encourage vigorous growth.
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Water: Keep the soil moist, but not saturated, while plants are actively growing and flowering. Once established, the bulbs are quite drought tolerant.
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Fertilizer: Apply a balanced bulb fertilizer or an all-purpose plant food in early spring to support lush foliage and abundant blooming.
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Overwintering: In zones 7-9, pineapple lily bulbs can be left in the ground over winter. Just cut back the foliage after it dies off. Further north, dig up the bulbs and store them dormant until spring.
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Dividing: Clumps can be divided every 2-3 years after flowering to propagate the bulbs. Replant the divisions and offspring bulbs promptly.
Beyond these basic needs, pineapple lily bulbs will thrive with minimal intervention. No staking or deadheading required!
Where to Use Pineapple Lily Bulbs in Your Landscape
Thanks to their vivid color and architectural form, pineapple lily bulbs make outstanding accents in beds, borders, and containers. Here are some ideal ways to showcase these unusual bulbs:
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Plant a row along a garden path or driveway for a bold punch of color.
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Tuck them into empty spaces in mixed borders to add late season interest.
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Group them in clusters of 3 or 5 bulbs for a high impact display.
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Surround them with lower growing plants like lantana and verbena.
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Allow them to emerge from behind broad-leaved tropicals like cannas or bananas.
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Display alone in pots and urns on patios and decks.
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Underplant them with trailing annuals like petunias or calibrachoa.
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Combine them with agapanthus, lilies, and other summer bloomers in patio containers.
Let your imagination run wild when brainstorming ways to showcase these fabulous bulbs in your outdoor space!
Where to Buy Pineapple Lily Bulbs
Now that you’re inspired to grow pineapple lily bulbs, it’s time to buy some for your garden! Here are a few top sources:
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Online nurseries: Specialized online sellers offer the widest selection of cultivars. Most ship nationwide at reasonable rates.
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Local garden centers: Pineapple lily bulbs are becoming more popular and may be found alongside other flowering bulbs. Availability varies by region.
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Mail order catalogs: Reputable Dutch bulb suppliers like Colorblends and John Scheepers carry pineapple lily bulbs in their catalogs.
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Specialty bulb farms: Smaller farms focused on flowering bulbs often sell hard-to-find heirloom varieties.
When ordering bulbs, look for large, firm specimens free of mold, bruises, and damage. Reputable sellers guarantee viability and stand behind their products if issues emerge after planting.
For best results, plant pineapple lily bulbs as soon as possible after purchasing. If needed, they can be stored in a cool, dry spot for a month or two. Avoid letting the bulbs freeze or overheat before planting.
With proper care, pineapple lily bulbs will thrive for years, spreading to form impressive clumps. Their exotic blooms and tropical allure are a summertime show-stopper! Add some to your garden this season and enjoy their uniqueness.
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Getting to Know Eucomis || Walters Gardens
FAQ
When to plant pineapple lily bulbs?
Timing: Plant Eucomis bulbs in the spring, after the last frost date has passed. This allows the bulbs to establish roots before the growing season. Depth and Spacing: Plant bulbs 10-15 cm deep. Space bulbs 15-20 cm apart to give them room to grow.
Do pineapple lilies come back every year?
Pineapple lilies are perennials, meaning they will bloom year after year when grown in favorable conditions. In climates where they aren’t winter hardy, you can grow them as annuals or preserve the bulbs for replanting the following spring by digging them up in the fall and storing them indoors in a cool, dry place.
What is the best month to plant lily bulbs?
Planting: Lily bulbs can be planted in fall or early spring. If planting in the fall it is important to do so at least four weeks prior to your last frost date in order that they can put down strong roots before the ground freezes. Plant in early spring when the ground is workable but not muddy.
Do pineapple lilies spread?
Depending on the species, they will grow 10-30 inches in height and will spread slowly by bulb offsets.
What is a pineapple lily?
A pineapple lily, specifically Eucomis bicolor, is a tropical flower bulb that can be grown in the garden or in a container. It is known for its unique and long-lasting flowers, which are traditionally green and purple in color.
Can pineapple lilies be grown in a container?
Pineapple Lilies (Eucomis), including the traditional Eucomis bicolor and Sparkling Burgundy variety, can be grown in a container. They are tropical flower bulbs known for their attractive green and purple or burgundy foliage and spiky blooms.
What does a pineapple lily bulb look like?
The pineapple lily bulb looks like a pineapple with flowers in colors of red and greenish-white. The flowers have a shape much like that of the fruiting pineapple.
Are bicolor pineapple lilies ready for planting?
We will ship your Bicolor Pineapple Lily bulb, which is ready for planting. The foliage of the Bicolor Pineapple Lily is beautiful even when the plant is not blooming. As the flowers begin to open from the bottom buds first, the flowering progresses upwards toward the top, which is covered with a tuft of leaves similar to the Hawaiian pineapple fruit.
Does a pineapple lily bulb re-bloom?
The pineapple lily bulbs do not re-bloom during a season. They are easy to grow as a containerized plant and can be grown into very large bulb specimens, if they are grown right. The green leaves are very attractive, and recurving into a V shape. The bulbs usually begin flowering during the mid-summer.
What does a bicolor pineapple lily bulb smell like?
The Bicolor Pineapple Lily Bulb emits a very fragrant perfume that is sweet, penetrating, and spicy. The leaves of the plant, even when not blooming, add a beautiful character to your home or office garden. The Bicolor Pineapple Lily Bulb has wide leaves with a recessed center vein that fades to a gray color.