Overview
Eucomis bicolor is a bulbous perennial in the genus Eucomis, part of the Asparagaceae 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 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
How do I grow Eucomis bicolor?
Plant bulbs in spring after risk of frost; prefers well-drained soil; water moderately during growing season; protect from severe frost.
Where is the best place to plant Eucomis bicolor?
Eucomis bicolor prefers full sun and partial shade.
What soil does Eucomis bicolor need?
Eucomis bicolor grows best in well-drained and sandy or loamy soil. It prefers neutral and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline soil. Aim for soil that stays moderate to well-drained.
How do I prune Eucomis bicolor?
Remove spent flower spikes to encourage tidiness.
Is Eucomis bicolor hardy in the UK?
Eucomis bicolor has an RHS hardiness rating of H5, meaning it is hardy in most of the UK, tolerating -15 to -10°C.
How do I propagate Eucomis bicolor?
By seed, offsets.
From the Fenn Plants journal
- Notes on DaffodilsWhen to plant daffodil bulbs in the UK, how deep, how to naturalise them in grass, why daffodils stop flowering (“blindness”), and why you should never mix cut daffodils with other flowers.
- Keeping Your NerveHow to garden through a heatwave — the best time to water, why deep soaks beat daily sprinkles, caring for pots and vulnerable plants, and why you can let the lawn go brown.
- Made to LastHow to clean, store and protect garden pots and planters — the frost-proof vs frost-resistant difference, winter care for terracotta and ceramic, and how to reuse a broken pot.
More in the Eucomis genus
- Eucomis bicolor 'Alba'two-coloured pineapple lily 'Alba'
- Eucomis pallidifloragiant pineapple lily
- Eucomis punctata
- Eucomis punctata striata