Overview

Eucomis bicolor is a bulbous perennial in the genus Eucomis, part of the Q157167 family. Eucomis bicolor grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and sandy or loamy soils and neutral and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and rock gardens. It is native to South Africa and Lesotho.

About

Eucomis bicolor is a bulbous perennial known by the common name two‑coloured pineapple lily and grown for its pineapple‑like flower head. In the UK it flowers in July to August. It suits full sun or partial shade on well‑drained sandy or loamy soil with neutral to slightly acidic or slightly alkaline pH and moderate moisture. Rated H5, it is classed as hardy for much of the UK and is used in borders, containers and rock gardens.

Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eucomis bicolor

About the genus

Eucomis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Asparagaceae, subfamily Scilloideae, native to southern Africa. Most species of this genus are commonly referred to as pineapple flowers or pineapple lilies. They are bulbous perennials with basal rosettes of leaves and stout stems covered in star-shaped flowers with a tuft of green bracts at the top, superficially resembling a pineapple – hence the common names.

Wikipedia contributors, "Eucomis", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Eucomis

In the garden

Eucomis bicolor is a bulbous perennial native to South Africa and Lesotho. Gardeners value it for the vertical flower spike implied by its common name and for flowering in the late summer months; in the UK its flowering period is July to August. The origin points to a plant adapted to a seasonally dry summer climate, which informs basic siting and soil choices. Place Eucomis bicolor in full sun or partial shade. It requires well‑drained soil — sandy or loamy types are specified — and performs best where soil pH is close to neutral, ranging from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Maintain moderate soil moisture and avoid waterlogging; the species is not listed as needing constantly wet conditions. Its UK hardiness is H5, meaning it is considered hardy in most parts of the country, so it will survive typical winter conditions without the need for special protection in sheltered sites. Use it where a late‑summer vertical element helps the composition: position bulbs in herbaceous borders, plant groups in containers, or tuck them into rock garden crevices. The July–August flowering period makes its spike a useful focal point for late summer displays in these settings.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Eucomis

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, sandy or loamy

Soil pH

neutral, slightly acidic to slightly alkaline

Soil moisture

moderate, well-drained

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Eucomis bicolor size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

bulbous perennial

Suggested uses

borders, containers, rock gardens

Native to

South Africa, Lesotho

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Eucomis bicolor

Cultivation

Plant bulbs in spring after risk of frost; prefers well-drained soil; water moderately during growing season; protect from severe frost

Pruning

Remove spent flower spikes to encourage tidiness

Propagation

by seed, offsets

Frequently asked questions

More in the Eucomis genus

• 
  Eucomispineapple lily
• 
  Eucomis bicolor 'Alba'two-coloured pineapple lily 'Alba'
• 
  Eucomis pallidifloragiant pineapple lily
• 
  Eucomis punctata
• 
  Eucomis punctata striata