Pineapple Lily, King's Flower
| When to Plant: | |
| Spring |
| Blooms: | |
| Summer |
| Light Requirements: | |
| Full Sun |
| Plant Height: | ||
| 12-24" | ||
| Hardiness Zones: | |
| Grow as Perennial in zones 8-10. Grow as Annual elsewhere. Find Your Zone |
| Planting Depth: | |
| 4-6" |
| Plant Spacing: | |
| 10-12" |
| Plant Type: | |
| Bulb |
Eucomis, or Pineapple Lily, is a miniature floral representation of the tropical fruit and is native to South Africa. The bloom spike is formed by masses of little florets in shades of either white, pink or violet and topped with a tuft of green. Eucomis' foliage is large, broad and wavy-edged in tones of green or burgundy with stems of solid green to speckled.
Eucomis is truly a unique garden specimen sure to be the envy of the neighborhood!
Plant Eucomis in the spring after all danger of frost has passed. Eucomis performs well in full sun locations.
The ideal soil is rich and porous and drains well, yet still holds enough water for the roots. If your soil is heavy clay and drains slowly, or very sandy and does not hold water, add organic soil amendments like peat moss or ground bark. Spread a 3-4 inch layer of soil amendment if needed and incorporate into the soil to a depth of 10 inches.
Plant bulbs 4-6" deep and 10-12" apart. Cover with soil. When planting a large number of bulbs in one bed, excavate the entire area to the recommended depth, work fertilizer into the bottom of the trench, set out bulbs and then cover all at once. Water thoroughly at planting. While actively growing, water frequently and thoroughly so that water will reach roots. Mulch to keep the soil cool and to prevent the soil from drying out.
Fertilize twice a year.
Do not cut foliage back until the leaves have yellowed and died. Lift and store over winter if planted in colder climates. Mulch in milder climates to protect from frost.
Don't let Eucomis' exotic looks fool you - they are very easy to grow. Be sure they receive plenty of sunlight because too much shade will reduce flowering.
Eucomis prefers loose, well drained soil and the bulbs will rot if soil is too moist.
