When in flower, plants in the Eucomis genus certainly live up to their common name of pineapple lily,
having a bold, unmistakably tropical appearance that would suggest to the uninitiated that they are a specialist and difficult plant to grow. But unlike pineapples, they are far more adaptable to the UK climate and much less demanding in their cultivation, making them a fun, show-stopping plant to have in the garden.
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How to grow Eucomis
Where to plant Eucomis
As a general rule, Eucomis do best in a warm, sunny site with moderately fertile soil that is free draining in winter. While they enjoy summer rainfall, they are surprisingly drought tolerant. Larger, vigorous species such as Eucomis comosa are well suited to sheltered borders while smaller species such as Eucomis regia are best grown in containers.
How much to water Eucomis
Don’t spoil Eucomis too much as overwatering and feeding can lead to lots of soft vegetative growth that can collapse later in the season and may deter flowering. A protective mulch of organic matter in winter or application of controlled-release fertiliser at the start of the season should supply enough nutrition for healthy growth and flowering. When growing in containers, use a mix of equal parts of peat-free, multi-purpose, loam (or sand) and grit. Ensuring good drainage is key.
When and how to plant Eucomis bulbs
You can buy plants as dormant bulbs in autumn and winter, or as growing plants in late spring and summer. Bulbs should be potted up and kept dry, ideally in a cold greenhouse or somewhere protected from frost. When actively growing, and all risk of frost has passed, plant out into containers or borders. It’s worth paying more for good-quality plants and larger bulbs to ensure good flowering later in the season.
Caring for Eucomis
During the growing season Eucomis require little maintenance and are generally pest and disease
free. Both rabbits and deer avoid them, along with slugs and snails. Occasionally, a little slug damage can occur on young growth early in the season, but this is usually minimal and the plants will often outgrow the problem.
Protect from freezing wet conditions in winter. On light and free-draining soils, simply cover with a thick layer of organic matter or compost when temperatures lower in autumn. In areas with heavy frosts and clay soils, grow plants in containers that can be moved to a greenhouse when plants are dormant in winter, keeping them dry and frost free. Selecting a sheltered area can also help – the base of a south-facing wall or raised sunny bed is ideal, and avoid any shaded frost pockets.
Propagating Eucomis
Over time Eucomis will naturally bulk up and produce offsets that can be removed and replanted just before they come into growth in late winter or early spring, though avoid disturbing plants when they are actively growing as this can deter flowering.
Growing Eucomis by seed
They germinate readily from seed collected in the autumn and sown in the spring, and can also be propagated by leaf cuttings in the growing season or bulb scaling in late summer, though the latter is quicker to produce flowering-size plants.
The best Eucomis to grow
Eucomis pallidiflora ‘Goliath’
A giant pineapple lily with fresh green leaves and tall flowering stems packed full of soft creamy-white flowers from mid to late summer. Slightly tender and preferring a sheltered spot away from wind. Height and spread: 2m x 1m. RHS H4, USDA 8a-10b.
Eucomis zambesiaca ‘Black’
A hybrid of Eucomis zambesiaca and Eucomis vandermerwei with attractive blackcurrant colouration to the undulating-edged foliage. Flowers are a deep inky purple and appear on upright stems from mid to late summer. 35cm x 30cm. RHS H3, USDA 7a-10b.
Eucomis ‘Pink Gin’
A vigorous hybrid with deep-green foliage and clear rich-pink flowers from midsummer onwards. A newer cultivar that was ‘outstanding’ in a recent Wisley trial and is sure to become a gardener’s favourite. 1.2m x 50cm. RHS H4, USDA 7a-11.
Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’
A popular cultivar with young foliage emerging deep burgundy before fading to olive green. From midsummer, contrasting creamy-pink flowers appear from dark buds to great effect. 60cm x 30cm.
RHS H4, USDA 6a-9b.
Eucomis comosa ‘Lotte’
An elegant selection with thin green leaves and an upright, elongated flower spike. From midsummer to early autumn, this holds numerous creamy-green flowers that have a conspicuous purple centre (pistil). 60cm x 25cm. RHS H4, USDA 7a-10b.
Eucomis comosa ‘Johannesburg’
A choice pineapple lily with verdant green, wavy-edged leaves throughout the growing season. Pure-white flowers elegantly appear from creamy-green buds from midsummer onwards. 75cm x 40cm. RHS H4, USDA 7a-10b.
Eucomis comosa ‘Kilimanjaro’
A vigorous-growing cultivar, originally bred for the cut flower market, with elegant tall stems full of soft white flowers with contrasting baby-pink centres, which appear from midsummer onwards. 90cm x 50cm. RHS H4, USDA 7a-10b.
Eucomis vandermerwei
An attractive dwarf species that prefers some shade. Wavy-edged leaves heavily marked with burgundy speckles form a rosette beneath purplish-pink flowers. Will need some protection in winter. 15cm x 15cm. AGM*. RHS H3.
Eucomis ‘Leia’
An exciting new hybrid from the Aloha Lily Series. Its reddish-pink flowers have a sweet, coconut scent. Compact with foliage and flower stem delicately speckled with dark red. 35cm x 15cm. AGM.
RHS H3, USDA 8a-10b
Eucomis Nani (= ‘Gsalipol’)
Another new hybrid from the Aloha Lily Series. Its elegant, pink flowers open from dusky-pink buds, beautifully complemented by the fresh-green foliage. 45cm x 20cm. AGM. RHS H3, USDA 8a-10b.
Eucomis comosa ‘Indian Summer’
A strong-growing cultivar with dark-green leaves and sturdy, purple flower stems that hold the contrasting pale-pink flowers, which appear from midsummer. 50cm x 35cm. RHS H4, USDA 7a-10b.
Eucomis ‘Tugela Jade’
A zesty-looking hybrid bred for the cut-flower trade with fresh-green, upright leaves that surround the flowering stem. Clean-white flowers open from chartreuse buds from mid to late summer. 50cm x 40cm. RHS H4, USDA 6b-9b.
Eucomis bicolor ‘Alba’
This white form of the two-toned pineapple lily has fresh green foliage and stems without the purple staining. The flowers are tightly packed along the stem and open to a greenish white during summer. 60cm x 20cm. RHS H4, USDA 7a-10b.
Where to buy Eucomis
Avon Bulbs Burnt House Farm, Mid Lambrook, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5HE. Tel 01460 242177, avonbulbs.co.uk
Panache Plants Evergreen Farm, Church Lane, Gressenhall, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 2QH. Tel 01362 692460, panacheplants.co.uk Online nursery that holds a National Collection of Eucomis. Open for summer visits by appointment only.
Where to see Eucomis
National Trust Hardwick Hall Doe Lea, Chesterfield, Derbyshire S44 5QJ. Tel 01246 850430, nationaltrust.org.uk
