About
Eucomis comosa, the pineapple lily, is a clump-forming bulbous perennial with long, wavy-margined, pale-green leaves spotted purple beneath and stout, purple-striped stems to 75 cm bearing dense, 30 cm, spike-like racemes of white flowers with purple margins, topped by a crown of small leafy bracts. A bold and showy late-summer bulb for a sunny, well-drained border or large container.
About the genus
Eucomis, the pineapple lilies, are bulbous perennials with large, strap-shaped basal leaves and erect, often spotted stems bearing dense racemes of star-shaped flowers topped by a rosette of leafy bracts in late summer. Bold and ornamental, they make excellent border and container plants.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureMoist but well-drained, Well-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitTufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCottage and informal garden
Native toSouth Africa, Lesotho
Care notes
CultivationPlant 15cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Mulch well in colder areas. See eucomis cultivation
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed, sown in autumn or spring. Alternatively remove offsets in spring
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free