Overview

Eucomis bicolor 'Alba' is a bulbous perennial in the genus Eucomis, part of the Q157167 family. Eucomis bicolor 'Alba' grows best in full sun and partial shade, and tolerates well-drained and fertile soils and neutral and slightly acidic pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H5. Suggested uses include borders, containers and rock gardens. It is native to Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

About

Eucomis bicolor 'Alba' is a bulbous perennial in the genus Eucomis prized for its summer flower spikes. It flowers in the UK from July to August. Plant in full sun or partial shade on fertile, well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acidic and kept moist but not waterlogged. Give it a sheltered position where it can be used in borders, containers or 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 'Alba' is a bulbous perennial native to parts of South Africa, including the Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga. As a member of the Eucomis group it is grown principally for its summer flowering habit and the architectural presence of its flowering stems. Give Eucomis bicolor 'Alba' a sunny or partially shaded site in fertile, well-drained soil. It prefers neutral to slightly acidic conditions and a soil that remains moist yet drains freely; avoid heavy, waterlogged ground. The recommended exposure is sheltered, and the plant carries a UK hardiness rating of H5 (hardy), so siting where it is protected from prevailing winter wind and excessive winter wet will support its bulbs. Use it at the front or middle of a border, in a large container on a patio, or tucked into a gravel or rock garden where drainage is good. Flowering occurs in the UK from July to August, making it useful for summer impact; position plants where their flowering stems can be seen without obstructing neighbouring perennials. Give Eucomis bicolor 'Alba' a sheltered spot to help bulbs survive colder, wet winters.

Growing conditions

Best soil and position for Eucomis

Sunlight

full sun, partial shade

Soil type

well-drained, fertile

Soil pH

neutral, slightly acidic

Soil moisture

moist, well-drained

Exposure

sheltered

UK hardiness

H5

Plant details

Eucomis bicolor 'Alba' size, habit and characteristics

Plant type

bulbous perennial

Suggested uses

borders, containers, rock gardens

Native to

Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Mpumalanga

Care notes

Pruning and caring for Eucomis bicolor 'Alba'

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

bulb offsets, seed

Frequently asked questions

More in the Eucomis genus

• 
  Eucomispineapple lily
• 
  Eucomis bicolortwo-coloured pineapple lily
• 
  Eucomis pallidifloragiant pineapple lily
• 
  Eucomis punctata
• 
  Eucomis punctata striata