About
Eucomis comosa 'Alba' is a white-flowered cultivar of the pineapple lily, producing the characteristic wavy, strap-shaped leaves, purple-spotted stems and dense, spike-like racemes of the species, with pure-white flowers in late summer. A showy and reliable late-summer bulb for a sunny 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
HabitClump forming, Tufted
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.1-0.5 metres
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Coastal, Cottage and informal garden
Native toE South Africa
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