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Eucomis

Common Name(s):

Phonetic Spelling
YOO-com-iss
Description

The scientific name Eucomis comes from a Greek word, Eukomos, which means 'Beautifully haired'.  The common name comes from the blooms, which resemble a pineapple when in bloom.  They are tropical perennial bulbs in the asparagus family native to South Africa.  They will grow in full sun or partial shade; however, a full sun location will provide the best blooms and foliage. 

They may survive in cold winter zones 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.  

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No major issues.  They may have an unpleasant smell, as they are pollinated by flies.

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.

 

Profile Video:
See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Freckles'
    Rose red flowers
  • 'Oakhurst'
    Dark leaved
  • 'Sparking Burgundy'
    Greenish bracts with burgundy
  • var. comosa
    Sweet scent
  • var. striata
    Greenish-yellow flowers
'Freckles', 'Oakhurst', 'Sparking Burgundy', var. comosa, var. striata
Tags:
#bulb#purple flowers#pink flowers#tropical feel#landscape plant sleuths course#summer blooms#white blooms
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
  • 'Freckles'
    Rose red flowers
  • 'Oakhurst'
    Dark leaved
  • 'Sparking Burgundy'
    Greenish bracts with burgundy
  • var. comosa
    Sweet scent
  • var. striata
    Greenish-yellow flowers
'Freckles', 'Oakhurst', 'Sparking Burgundy', var. comosa, var. striata
Tags:
#bulb#purple flowers#pink flowers#tropical feel#landscape plant sleuths course#summer blooms#white blooms
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Eucomis
    Family:
    Asparagaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Bulb
    Perennial
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    S. Africa
    Dimensions:
    Height: 2 ft. 4 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Perennial
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    High Organic Matter
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Moist
    NC Region:
    Coastal
    Piedmont
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b
  • Fruit:
    Display/Harvest Time:
    Summer
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Pink
    Purple/Lavender
    White
    Flower Inflorescence:
    Raceme
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Long Bloom Season
    Showy
    Flower Bloom Time:
    Summer
    Flower Description:
    The greenish-white flowers are tinged with purple. They will bloom for up to 8 week period beginning at the bottom and going upward.
  • Leaves:
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Red/Burgundy
    Leaf Shape:
    Linear
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Length:
    > 6 inches
    Leaf Description:
    The long, strappy, wavy-edged leaves are green or burgundy.
  • Stem:
    Stem Color:
    Green
    Purple/Lavender
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Flecked with contrasting colors. Green and purple-spotted.
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Coastal
    Container
    Patio
    Slope/Bank
    Small Space
    Walkways
    Landscape Theme:
    Cottage Garden
    Cutting Garden
    Pollinator Garden
    Design Feature:
    Border
    Mass Planting
    Attracts:
    Bees
    Butterflies
    Pollinators