Genus Eucomis (Pineapple flower, Pineapple lily)

Eucomis Eucomis comosa 'Oakhurst' Photo/Illustration: Michelle Gervais
yew-KOE-miss Common Name: Pineapple flower, Pineapple lily
These tender bulbs produce thick, solitary stalks bearing bottle-brush-like wands of tightly clung florets, which are crowned by tufts of green bracts. As the common name implies, these unusual and magnificent inflorescences are reminiscent of pineapples.
Noteworthy characteristics: These bulbs with strap-shaped leaves are from dry screes and annually damp meadows of South Africa and tropical, southern Africa.
Care: Plant bulbs 6 inches deep, in fertile, well-drained soil in full sun. In containers, plant just under the the soil level using sharp sand; water freely in active growth. In cooler climates, plant in containers for garden display and overwinter in a frost free location. They do best if dry when dormant.
Propagation: Sow seed in autumn or spring, or remove offsets in spring and replant.
Problems: Usually problem free.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Eucomis

no image available Eucomis bicolor
(Pineapple lily, Pineapple flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This species boasts maroon-speckled stems and green flowers with maroon margins. The flowers occur on thick, solitary stalks bearing bottle-brush-like wands of tightly-clung florets, which are crowned by tufts of green bracts. As the common name implies, these unusual and magnificent inflorescences are reminiscent of pineapples.

no image available Eucomis comosa
(Pineapple lily, Pineapple flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This species boasts stems and undersides of leaves with maroon spotting, and white flowers tinged with maroon. The flowers form on 24-inch-long, thick stalks bearing bottle-brush-like wands of tightly-clung florets, which are crowned by tufts of green bracts. As the common name implies, these unusual and magnificent inflorescences are reminiscent of pineapples.

Eucomis comosa 'Oakhurst' Eucomis comosa 'Oakhurst'
(Pineapple lily, Pineapple flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This bulbous perennial has striking reddish purple, strap-like leaves and foot-long purple flowers that resemble pineapples in late summer. Grow in a sunny border, container, or greenhouse. Plants used outdoors may be overwintered in a frost-free location. The species is native to South Africa.

Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy' Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy'
(Pineapple lily, Pineapple flower)
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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

This outstanding cultivar boasts dark burgundy leaves that slowly change to olive green, and then revert back dramatically as the flowers fade. The flowers form on 20- to 30-inch stalks bearing bottle-brush-like wands of tight, smokey pink florets, which are crowned by tufts of purple bracts. As the common name implies, these unusual and magnificent inflorescences are reminiscent of pineapples.