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.
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. The flower spires reach up to 2 feet tall.
It can provide beautiful fresh-cut flowers and is at home in perennial beds, containers, walkways, courtyards, as a specimen and in pollinator gardens.
Perennial zones 7-10
This is for 5 seeds
