how to plant, grow & care for eucomis
complete growing guide
There are few more magnificent bulbs for your summer and autumn garden than eucomis, commonly known as pineapple lilies because of their distinctive flower spikes and rosette of leaves.
Lush and architectural, they look almost as good in seed as they do in full flower and very much hold their own in the garden for a good three month stretch.
Many are on the chunky, or at least on the towering side – Eucomis pole-evansii, for example, is unparalleled in its show and total dominance of its patch of garden, standing at nearly 6-feet tall. You can't beat it.
But not all are so attention-grabbing. The new generation Aloha series is more discreet and yet still punchy, and perfect for planting at the front of a border or in a pot for pride of place – try eucomis aloha 'Maui' for a fresh ivory-green.
These bulbs are best planted in spring and with a bit of care they will flower for years, giving you statuesque spires for very little effort. Browse our range of eucomis bulbs for striking plants which will flower 3-4 months from planting.
details
- Common name Pineapple flowers / Pineapple lily
- Latin name Eucomis
- Type Perennial bulb
- Height 30cm (1ft) to 1.8m (6ft)
- TLC rating Easy
- Aspect Full Sun
- Planting position Borders, containers, greenhouse
- Suitable for pots Yes
- Good for pollinators Yes
- Good for cut flowers Yes
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how to grow eucomis
where to grow eucomis
Soil type: Well-drained soil is best for eucomis and they do not like to sit wet through winter. Some, such as those in the Aloha series, like very free-draining soil and do well in a gravel bed or rockery.
Aspect & position: Plant eucomis bulbs in a sheltered, sunny position. Avoid crowding to avoid them being shaded by other plants. Generally those plants in full sun will produce more flowers as a result.
when to plant eucomis
It is possible to start eucomis bulbs off in pots from March to May, or plant them directly outdoors in April or May.
how to plant eucomis
planting eucomis bulbs
When planting in borders, make sure the bulbs are planted in a sunny, sheltered position as pineapple lilies need a prolonged spell of warmth during spring and early summer to encourage flowering.
Allow for 30cm (1ft) spacing between each bulb. Dig a hole for each bulb and cover the base with a few handfuls of grit until the hole is around 15-20cm (6-8in) deep – it is best to lay the bulbs on a layer of sand or grit as they do not like to sit in winter wet.
Plant the bulb directly on the grit before backfilling with a mixture of soil and composted bark and a sprinkling of general-purpose organic food.
Eucomis are generally hardy down to around -6°C (21ºF) if planted in well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Frost-hardy pineapple flowers can be grown outdoors in warmer parts of the UK (top with a good layer of mulch in late autumn), but in other areas, grow them in containers and move to a sheltered position when the weather cools, or grow them in a greenhouse or conservatory.
growing eucomis in a pot
Eucomis make superb feature plants in containers. Plant 3 bulbs into a pot 30cm (1ft) wide. Use a loam-based compost with extra grit added – about 2 parts compost to 1 part grit. The pot needs to be deep enough to allow the bulbs to be planted at least 15cm (6in) deep. Water when they’re growing at full tilt, best done in the evening.
Container grown plants are best over wintered in a dry and frost-free environment.
how to care for eucomis
watering
Plants in the border will require little watering, but keep an eye on eucomis in pots, particularly during a dry period. In general, water 2-3 times per week during the growing season from April to early autumn. Stop watering from late autumn to allow a dormant period, then begin again in spring.
fertilising
Feed with an organic fertiliser in early spring and occasionally add a weak tomato feed when watering in summer. In late autumn, apply a thick mulch of bark over the plant to protect it from frosts.
staking
The tallest eucomis varieties will require staking, particularly towards the end of the season when the heavy heads may flop – tie to a cane for support.
deadheading
Faded leaves and flower stems should be removed only once they turn yellow.
overwintering
Eucomis are generally hardy down to around -6°C (21ºF) if planted in well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Frost-hardy pineapple flowers can be grown outdoors in warmer parts of the UK (top with a good layer of mulch in late autumn), but in other areas, grow them in containers and move to a sheltered position when the weather cools, or grow them in a greenhouse or conservatory.
seasonal checklist
spring
- Plant eucomis bulbs in borders and pots.
summer
- Water regularly and occasionally add fertiliser.
autumn
- Remove any yellow leaves and stems.
winter
- Mulch any bulbs remaining in the ground. Bring any eucomis growing in pots undercover.
pests, diseases & common issues
Eucomis are generally pest-free. Watch out for slugs as new leaves emerge (which may not be until May) and ensure you have some slug repellents in place.
why is my eucomis not flowering?
Eucomis need a prolonged spell of warmth during spring and early summer to encourage flowering so make sure the bulbs are planted in a sunny, sheltered position. If the bulbs are in their second year, it’s possible that the previous season plants were cut back too soon, weakening the bulb and resulting in fewer flowers.
frequently asked questions
how deep should you plant eucomis bulbs?
Whether in pots or the ground, make sure they are at least 15cm (6in) deep.
when should you cut back eucomis?
Only cut back eucomis when the leaves are completely yellow to ensure a bulb with good energy and flowering power the following year.
are eucomis hardy?
Eucomis are generally hardy down to around -6°C (21ºF) if planted in well-drained soil in a sheltered position. Frost-hardy pineapple flowers can be grown outdoors in warmer parts of the UK (top with a good layer of mulch in late autumn), but in other areas, grow them in containers and move to a sheltered position when the weather cools, or grow them in a greenhouse or conservatory.
is eucomis poisonous to cats?
Eucomis are not known to be poisonous to cats, dogs or people.
is eucomis deer resistant?
Eucomis is known for being a deer resistant bulb.
how to cut & arrange eucomis
The striking spikes are fantastic in a vase. If you feel brave enough to cut one single stem to bring indoors, it will look good for over a month, so it is worth the sacrifice in the garden. Change the water every week to ensure there isn’t a build up of bacteria.
Get more inspiration for displaying your flowers with our flower arranging videos and articles:
