EUCOMIS (Euco'mis)

DESCRIPTION:This group consists of 10 deciduous, tender, perennial bulbs from South Africa. They are suitable for growing outdoors where temperatures stay above 10º F. Elsewhere they look charming when grown in containers or the bulbs may be dug up and stored for the winter. Pineapple Lilies, as they are commonly known, produce basal rosettes of strap-like, arching leaves. The leaves of some species have wavy edges. Tall flower stalks, reaching two to three feet in height, grow from the foliage in the summer (and sometimes at other seasons). The ends of these stalks are densely covered in tiny flowers, which are crowned by a tuft of small, green leaves, making it look like the fruit of a pineapple, thus the common name. The flowers last for several weeks and are excellent as cut flowers. E. bicolor (Variegated Pineapple Lily) has pale green, purple-edged flowers and wavy-edged leaves. E. autumnalis has wavy-edged leaves and green flowers. E. punctata (Wine Eucomis) is the prettiest species of this group, with its white or pink to wine-purple flowers. The undersides of the leaves are spotted with purple. There have also been several bronze-leaf forms developed from the variety, Stricta.

POTTING: Pineapple Lilies are hardy from zones 7 to 11. They can be grown outdoors year-round in regions where temperatures fall to 10º F. Otherwise, they may be grown in containers or lifted from the ground and over-wintered indoors. Grow Pineapple Lilies in a well-drained, organic, sandy soil, such as loam with equal parts of leaf mold, well-decayed manure and sand added. Choose a sunny location that receives some light shade during the heat of the day. In March, plant the bulbs 5 inches deep or several bulbs together in containers. You should start watering generously and fertilizing regularly once growth begins. The soil should be kept moist during active growth, dry when they are dormant. In cold climates, dig up the bulbs or move the containers to a warm place (55º to 68º F) for the winter. Let the bulbs dry before storing them. These plants are best if not disturbed for several years.

PROPAGATION: Offsets may be detached and replanted in the spring.

SPECIES & VARIETIES: E. pole-evansii; E. bicolor; E. punctata; E. autumnalis; Stricta.

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