Eucomis

The pineapple lilies are tropical perennial bulbs in the asparagus family (Asparagaceae) native to South Africa. This genus contains 13 accepted species. The genus name comes from a Greek word, Eukomos, which means 'Beautifully haired.'  The common name comes from the blooms, which resemble a pineapple when in bloom. 

Pineapple lilies will grow in full sun or partial shade; however, a full-sun location will provide the best blooms and foliage. Depending on the species, they will grow 10-30 inches in height and will spread slowly by bulb offsets. Plant the bulbs in spring in well-drained fertile soil 3-6 inches deep and 5-10 inches apart, mulch and keep moist but not wet during the growing season. They may survive Zone 7 winters if properly protected.  Plant deeply and/or cover with a thick layer of mulch.  When grown in cooler zones where protection is not possible, they will need to be brought inside for the winter months and replanted in the spring.  

Flowers of these plants are showy and appear from summer to fall. They vary in color and appear on a dense cylindrical spike that is topped with green bracts giving it that pineapple look. The rosette of large leaves is also attractive, and some cultivars have purple leaves. The odd fragrance of the flowers has been described as boiled potatoes. One study shows that the plant is pollinated by small mammals while others claim it is flies and wasps. 

Use these plants as a focal point, in contains or borders for a tropical look. 

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems but watch or slugs, snails and aphids.

VIDEO created by Andy Pulte for “Landscape Plant Identification, Taxonomy and Morphology” a plant identification course offered by the Department of Plant Sciences, University of Tennessee.