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King's Flower Eucomis bicolor

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called King's Flower:

Phonetic Spelling
YOO-com-iss BY-kul-ur
Description

This species of pineapple lily is a summer bulb in the asparagus (Asparagaceae) family and is native to South Africa. This long-lived bulb provides an attractive summer-blooming pollinator plant that attracts bees and butterflies. 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. 

This plant prefers moist, well-drained fertile soil in full sun to partial shade. It will spread slowly by bulb off-sets to form clumps. Propagation can be done by division. Plant bulbs in spring 4-6 inches deep and 12 inches apart. Mulch well to help retain moisture and provide winter protection. In zones 6 and lower the bulbs will need to be stored in a cool dry location. It is marginally hardy in zone 7.

The large strappy leaves form a basal rosette from which a flower stalk appears in summer. The densely packed spike of star-shaped florets blooms from bottom to top and is topped with green bracts giving it a pineapple look.They fragrance can be 

It can provide beautiful fresh-cut flowers and is at home in perennial beds, containers, walkways, courtyards, as a specimen and in pollinator gardens.

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

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#specimen#easy to grow#bumblebee friendly#summer flowers#summer bulbs#cutting garden#pollinator plant#courtyard garden#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#container plant#perennial#woodland
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Tags:
#bulb#showy flowers#full sun tolerant#specimen#easy to grow#bumblebee friendly#summer flowers#summer bulbs#cutting garden#pollinator plant#courtyard garden#butterfly friendly#bee friendly#container plant#perennial#woodland
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Eucomis
    Species:
    bicolor
    Family:
    Asparagaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Division
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    South Africa
    Dimensions:
    Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Bulb
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Growth Rate:
    Medium
    Maintenance:
    Medium
    Texture:
    Coarse
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    Available Space To Plant:
    12 inches-3 feet
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Description:
    Purple seeds
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Good Cut
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Shape:
    Star
    Flower Petals:
    4-5 petals/rays
    Flower Description:
    Cylindrical raceme on stout stems with creamy-white florets streaked in purple. Individual flowers are star-shaped with 5 petals.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Leaf Feel:
    Fleshy
    Leaf Type:
    Simple
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Rosulate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Leaf Margin:
    Entire
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Width:
    1-3 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The large strappy foliage is sometimes mottled in purple on the undersides.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Maroon-speckled stems
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Patio
    Landscape Theme:
    Butterfly Garden
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Border
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Resistance To Challenges:
    Deer
    Rabbits