Eucomis: planting, overwintering & the best pineapple lily varieties

Eucomis, the so-called pineapple flower or pineapple lily is a genus of beautiful, exotic plants. Read on to find out how to plant and care for these delightful perennials.

The pineapple flower (Eucomis) is also known as pineapple lily. It is a genus of plant, available in various sizes and colours, that can complement any garden space. Here are some tips on caring for pineapple flowers, and a list of our favourite species.

Origin and characteristics of the pineapple lily

The pineapple flower owes its name to its elongated inflorescences. Eucomis displays green-white or red clusters of flowers that are crowned with a tuft of leaves. Together, these leaves and flowers resemble a floral pineapple: a pineapple flower looks like a pineapple! However, pineapple lily is not botanically related to the pineapple (Ananas comosus), and instead belongs to the asparagus family (Asparagaceae).

Warning: Do not eat pineapple lilies! All parts of the plant are poisonous. Avoid direct contact with the skin.

The pineapple lily comes from the tropical regions of Africa. It was only in the 18^th century that the plant was brought to Europe by a botanist, and only in recent years that it has enjoyed such popularity.

This herbaceous perennial grows 10 to 120 centimetres tall, depending on the species, and forms a pear-shaped bulb underground.

The most beautiful pineapple flower varieties

Eucomis is very diverse. Species and varieties of the perennial differ in both colour and size. Here are our favourites:

Eucomis vandermerwei ‘Octopus’

Eucomis vandermerwei is a species of pineapple lily from the highland regions of South Africa. The Eucomis vandermerwei ‘Octopus’ variety is a particularly treasured ornamental, dwarf variety. It grows to around 10 centimetres tall, and produces 20 centimetre long, purple-spotted leaves. Its dark, red-purple flowers make this Eucomis species rare, and, due to its size, it grows well in pots on a terrace or in a winter garden.

Tip: The flowers of some pineapple lily varieties smell of carrion. Bear this in mind before growing pineapple flower plants in your living room!

Eucomis bicolor ‘Gerandete’

‘Gerandete’ belongs to the Eucomis bicolor species and grows to a height of 60 centimetres. The flowers are green-white and have purple edges. This variety grows just as well in a large pot outdoors as it does in a garden bed.

Eucomis autumnalis

The Eucomis autumnalis is a species of pineapple flower that comes from East Africa. The flowers of this species are bright white and bloom from July to September. Eucomis autumnalis plants grow to between 40 and 60 centimetres tall.

Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’

The ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ variety comes from South Africa’s wetlands. Growing up to 120 centimetres tall, it is one of the largest pineapple flower species and flowers from July to September, displaying a red-brown stem and pink flowers.

How to plant Eucomis: location and technique

Although you can plant pineapple lily indoors, it prefers to be cultivated outside. However, the perennial is not winter-hardy. As such, you will need to move the plant indoors, or to a frost-free location over winter.

Tip: If you grow your pineapple flower in a pot, it will be much easier to move.

From April, you can plant your pineapple flower outside. Plant Eucomis bulbs around 15 centimetres deep and 20 centimetres apart. Choose a warm, bright location, without direct sunlight, and be sure to protect the plant from wind. This will ensure a full bloom.

Eucomis prefers deep, loose, nutrient-rich and water permeable soil – the plants are sensitive to waterlogging. It is always a good idea to use peat-free potting soil, as it is environmentally friendly. Our Plantura Organic Flower Compost is ideal for this, and will provide your plants with a sustainable supply of nutrients.

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How to care for pineapple flowers

Pineapple flowers do not need much water in their first spring. However, once their leaves emerge, you should water the plant regularly, preferably with rainwater. It is also a good idea to fertilise your pineapple flower throughout summer, ideally with a plant-based fertiliser. Our Plantura Flower Food is a great choice. It will provide your plant with everything it needs for lush flowers, and long-term success.

Flower Food, 1.5kg

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Tip: Try taking cuttings of your pineapple lily flower and display them in a vase.

Thankfully, Eucomis do not suffer from disease. However, during autumn, their leaves can dry up. If this happens, move your potted plant to a frost-free location, where temperatures remain above 15°C. If your plant is in a garden bed, dig up your pineapple lily bulbs bulbs and place them in a container with some soil. Again, this container should be in a cool, frost-free location. In the following spring, you can plant out these bulbs.

Whether you are working with potted pineapple flowers, or caring for pineapple lily bulbs, it is best to stop watering your plant during this winter period. Instead, wet the soil once a month.

The iris plant grows well next to pineapple flowers. Have a read of our article to learn more about iris!