Low-maintenance and aesthetically-pleasing plants like the Monstera, Bird of Paradise, and Sansevieria have become standard plant fare in many homes and apartments. But for advanced collectors in search of more unique selections, we introduce you to the bromeliad.
Known for vibrant, long-lasting blooms and in some cases, ornamental pineapple fruit, bromeliads are certainly a conversation starter. Native to the tropical and subtropical Americas, these flowering plants with lush dark green leaves lend a tropical feel to any home or apartment. What’s more, they also add a vibrant pop of pink, yellow, orange, red, or purple to any space. Aesthetics aside, bromeliads are low-maintenance, pet-friendly, and can help purify the air in your home.
Ahead, find everything you need to know about these unique flowering plants, including species of bromeliads, bromeliad care tips, and common cultivars you can find for your home.
The pineapple flower, also known as the pineapple lily or Eucomis comosa, is an exotic and eye-catching bloom that brings a fun, tropical vibe to gardens. With its vibrant color, distinctive texture, and pineapple-shaped form, this flower provides a cheerful pop of color that stands out
Overview of the Pineapple Flower
Native to South Africa, the pineapple flower is a bulbous perennial that thrives in warm climates It reaches 1-3 feet tall when in bloom and produces a sturdy flower spike lined with long, strappy green leaves The blooms open sequentially from the bottom up in mid to late summer, brightening up the garden when many other flowers have faded.
Each individual bloom looks remarkably like a miniature pineapple. The overlapping smooth green bracts create the iconic pineapple shape and fruit-like texture. The bracts are sometimes edged in reddish-brown for even more tropical flair. Rising from the center is a spray of tiny florets. The overall color is a vivid golden yellow that really draws the eye.
Why Does It Resemble a Pineapple?
So why does this flower look so much like a tasty tropical fruit? The overlapping smooth bracts are reminiscent of the external rind of an actual ripe pineapple. The vibrant yellow hue also enhances the resemblance to a golden pineapple. While the bloom isn’t fragrant like the fruit, its appearance definitely evokes a fun, summery vibe.
The playful, fruity shape and radiant color make the pineapple flower a lively choice for gardens, instantly sparking interest. It pairs well with cannas, bananas and other tropical-style plants, providing a cheerful pop of color when many other blooms have faded.
Signature Features of Pineapple Flowers:
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Unique pineapple-shaped blooms with textured overlapping bracts
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Vibrant golden yellow color that pops against the foliage
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Tall, slender green leaves on upright stalks leading to blooms
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Striking, smooth texture and tropical inspiration
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Blooms sequentially from July to September when other flowers fade
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Easy care, drought tolerance, and low maintenance when established
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Attracts pollinators with nectar-rich blooms
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Provides great vertical height and adds rich texture
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Lasts 2-3 weeks per bloom, 4-6 weeks for the spike
Using Pineapple Flowers in the Landscape
With their bold color, prominent pineapple shape, and tall form, pineapple flowers make fun accent plants in the garden. Here are some creative ways to showcase them:
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Plant in groups of 3-5 bulbs for a big splash of color
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Highlight in cottage gardens, tropical beds, or floral borders
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Surround with zinnias, cannas, bananas or other exotic plants
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Allow bulbs to naturalize for a wild, reseeded look over time
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Use in cheerful summer bouquets and table arrangements
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Showcase in container gardens and patio planters
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Mass along fences, edges, or property lines for a bright screen
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Accent a deck or sunny entryway area
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Let them reseed freely for a naturalized tropical colony
Growing Tips for Pineapple Flowers
Pineapple lily bulbs are easy to grow in warm climates across USDA Zones 7-10. Here are some top cultivation tips:
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Plant bulbs in spring after the last frost date
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Choose a site with full sun to partial shade
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Loosen and amend soil with compost to improve drainage
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Set bulbs 4-6 inches deep and 12 inches apart
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Water moderately after planting to develop the roots
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Apply mulch to retain moisture and reduce weeds
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Stake tall spikes if needed for support
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Remove spent blooms to encourage reblooming
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Lift and divide crowded clumps every 2-3 years
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Grow as an annual bulb in zones colder than 7
With a bit of creativity, pineapple flowers can infuse gardens with cheerful color and tropical character. Their low-maintenance nature, long-lasting blooms, and stunning hues make them a summertime favorite. For an effortless plant that packs a vibrant, fruity punch, be sure to consider this pineapple-inspired flower.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pineapple Flowers:
What does a pineapple flower look like?
The pineapple flower has a conical, oval or bell-shaped head of yellow, overlapping bracts that resemble the rind of a pineapple fruit. Rising from the center is a spike of small yellow or white florets. The leaves are slender and grassy.
What is the pineapple flower called?
Its scientific name is Eucomis comosa. It also goes by pineapple lily and pineapple plant. The word “comosa” refers to the tufted, fuzzy spike of florets in the center.
Where does the pineapple flower grow?
Pineapple flowers grow natively in South Africa and thrive in warm climates. They can be grown in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 7-10 as perennials and treated as annuals in colder zones.
What does the pineapple flower smell like?
Unlike the sweet, tropical aroma of the pineapple fruit, the pineapple flower itself has little to no noticeable fragrance. Some varieties may have a faint, spicy scent.
How long do pineapple flowers last?
Each pineapple flower can last 2-3 weeks. The stalk will continue opening new blooms over 4-6 weeks for an extended display. Remove spent blooms to encourage new ones.
Can you eat pineapple flowers?
No, pineapple lily flowers are strictly ornamental. Only the fruit of the actual pineapple plant (Ananas comosus) is edible.
Are pineapple flowers rare?
Pineapple flowers are popular ornamental plants, widely available at garden centers in warm regions. They are not rare or hard to find.
How do you grow a pineapple flower?
Plant bulbs in spring in warm zones with good drainage and sunlight. Water moderately and apply mulch. Stake tall stems if needed. Lift and divide bulbs every few years. Remove spent blooms.
The pineapple flower’s whimsical form and vibrant color make it a fun summertime bloomer. Let this tropical-inspired flower bring its fruity charm and timeless appeal to your garden!
Popular Bromeliad Varieties
Nothing sparks a conversation quite like having a living pineapple plant in your living room or kitchen. The unique Bromeliad Pineapple grows one ornamental fruit per plant, and the parent plant will produce baby plants or “offshoots” which will eventually produce their own pineapples. The pineapples have reached maturity when their outer skin boasts a vibrant shade of yellow, similar to what you’d see at the grocery store. Although this variety is not grown for edible consumption, it’s still a unique gift or addition to any personal collection.
Bromeliad Aechmea Pink may not be as unique as its pineapple cousin, but its colorful, long-lasting flowers are sure to make a statement. The blooms on these bromeliad flowers last up to six months and lend a laid back, staycation vibe to any home or apartment. Even when not in flower, the waxy coating on the wide leaves creates an eye catching two-toned effect. Bromeliad Aechmea Pink plants are actually epiphytes, a type of air plant, and therefore develop minimal roots and derive nutrients from the air and rainfall.
Can’t decide on just one beautiful bromeliad? Try three with our Bromeliad Collection, featuring a bright trio of Vriesea- and Guzmania-type bromeliads. This grouping allows you to add a range of tropical color to your home—just find a bright spot out of direct light, and these plants will grab everyone’s attention with their long-lasting blooms. Guzmania Sky features a scarlet red flower, Guzmania Lydia flaunts an electric yellow bloom, and Vriesea Tosca shines with a bicolor red and yellow spike.
As noted above, Bromeliads grow on shady forest floors or attached to tropical trees as epiphytes in their natural environment. With that said, they are highly adaptable and some of the best indoor plants as they will easily adapt to your home or apartment. Generally speaking, they’re considered “no-fuss” houseplants and prefer a corner with bright, indirect sunlight. Insufficient light will lead to slower growth.
Water Bromeliad Pineapple plants when 75 percent of the soil volume has dried out, and water until you see it flow out of the drainage hole. Always empty the saucer of any standing water to promote proper drainage. Bromeliad plants with a central “vase” need to be watered at the center of the plant instead of through the soil. Keep the center vase filled with water at all times, and empty, rinse, and refill every two weeks to prevent salt and mineral buildup. The soil should be watered sparingly—only when completely dry. Finally, to imitate their naturally humid environments, place these plants on a pebble tray or consider a humidifier.
For more care information, visit our Bromeliad plant care guide.