| Genus -
Eucomis |
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| Species -
bicolor (two-coloured) |
| Common
Names: Pineapple lily & Pineapple
flower. |
| Etymology - 'Eucomis'
(Greek: eu='pleasing' / kome = 'hair of the head'. |
| Growth
Rate: Average |
| Type: Bulbous
perennial |
| Height: 60-70cm |
| Spread:
30-40cm |
| Position:
Full sun |
| Flowering Period
- July and August |
| Hardiness:
Half hardy |
| Soil:
Well drained soil |
| Origin:
South Africa |
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| Commonly known as the ‘pineapple lily’ due to the flower resembling a pineapple this plant originated from South Africa. It is not particularly hardy but can withstand an array of temperatures if maintained correctly. |
| When planting Eucomis
bulbs ensure that the tip of the bulb is just below the surface of the soil and that the position is in full
sun. A small layer of grit or gravel underneath the bulb
is beneficial for drainage. To lessen the impact on the flowering processes ensure that the position is also not in shade and won’t be as the plant
grows amongst nearby perennials. Watering needs to occur regularly throughout the growing season to maximise the plants potential of flowering.
If planting Eucomis Bicolor in pots and containers follow the same rules as in planting in situ but allow up to 6in between the bulbs to allow them to thrive sufficiently. |
| During the winter if bulbs have been planted in situ they can either be lifted and stored away from frost or they can be protected by a thick layer of mulch. Pots and containers can be brought inside for protection, allow the pots to dry out fully as these plants go dormant in the winter months. |
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Seeds... |
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Pineapple Lily - Eucomis bicolor |
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| Highly
desirable and dramatic plants with large, lush green
foliage from which rise strong, erect stems bearing
pineapple-like heads with clusters of small starry
flowers, some of which are bicoloured. T&M have
selected some of the most impressive hybrids for
container and border use. |
| 1
packet (10 seeds) |
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Plants...
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Pineapple Lily - Eucomis bicolor |
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| A
spectacular plant, with spikes of purple-edged, pale
green star-shaped flowers on purple-spotted stems in
July and August, topped with a pineapple-like tuft above
a rosette of wide, fleshy leaves. This distinctive,
summer-flowering bulb looks stunning planted in clumps
in a large, well-drained container or in a sunny,
exotic-style garden. Since it's not fully hardy in
frost-prone areas, it's best over-wintered indoors in a
cool greenhouse. |
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Pineapple Lily - Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy' |
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they first emerge in spring, the leaves have a deep
burgundy colour (especially when they are planted in a
very sunny spot), which gradually fades to olive green
as summer approaches. From mid summer, an upright
flowerspike emerges from the rosette of foliage, bearing
masses of small, star-like flowers. The spike is topped
with a tuft of leaf-like bracts, giving it a
pineapple-like appearance. A very distinctive and
unusual plant, which originates from dry screes and
meadows in South Africa. In colder areas, pot it up and
move it to a sheltered spot or cool greenhouse during
the winter. |
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Pineapple lily - Eucomis Autumnalis |
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| This amazingly easy and satisfying South African native has cone shaped flower heads filled with fragrant florets and sports a peacock tuft of leaves over a beautiful, architectural flower spike; flower colour varies. |
| Truly resembling a pineapple. An eye-catching plant well suited to the conservatory or bright windowsill. Keep well watered in summer but dry in winter. Height 30 to 60 cm. |
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