Eucomis

Sunset

Zones 4-9, 14-24, H1, H2

Full, Partial

Moderate

Pineapple Flower
Liliaceae
Bulbs and bulblike plants, Perennials

Thick spikes closely set with 1/2-in.-long flowers are topped with clusters of leaflike bracts that resemble pineapple tops. Make good cut flowers. Bloom in summer; persistent purplish seed capsules carry on the show even longer. Need rich soil with plenty of humus. Planted in ground in fall, setting bulbs 4–6 in. deep, 1 ft. apart. Also fairly easy to grow from seed sown in spring. In areas where ground freezes, used mulch to protect plantings. Divided every 5 or 6 years. Interesting potted plants; set bulbs with tips just beneath soil surface and repot yearly in fresh soil mix.

Eucomis bicolor

From tropical southern Africa. Spikes to 2 ft. tall; green flowers with purple-edged petals. Attractive, wavy-edged leaves to 1 ft. long, 3 to 4 in. wide.