How to Grow Eucomis (pineapple flower)

The pineapple lily, also known by the more elegant botanical name of Eucomis, is rooted in Greek origins—eu meaning "very" and comos meaning "leafy," likely referencing the leafy bracts that crown its striking inflorescence. Eucomis is like the plant version of a party hat. The most popular variety, Eucomis autumnalis, struts its stuff from December through early autumn, brightening up the garden with an unusual charm.

With ten species in the family (Eucomis spp.), the pineapple lily is often considered one of the most intriguing—and peculiar—plants. Now, let’s address the elephant—or rather, the pineapple—in the room: despite its name, this plant isn’t related to the fruit, so please don’t toss it into your piña colada. Interestingly though, the leaves and bulb have been used medicinally for centuries, treating backache, stomach pain, and even hangovers.

This fascinating genus belongs to a larger family comprising around 46 genera and over 900 species globally, with Southern Africa being a hotspot for diversity. Here, twelve South African species thrive, except in the most arid regions.

Now, here’s a fun family secret: Eucomis is a close cousin to Ornithogalum and Scilla, but is definitely the show-off of the family. Picture that one relative who always turns up overdressed to brunch. Yep, that’s Eucomis—flamboyant, fabulous, and ready to steal the spotlight.

So, let’s dive in and uncover everything you need to know about How to Grow Eucomis. 

What conditions do Eucomis like?

Eucomis thrives in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil and is a versatile addition to the garden. Whether nestled into rockeries, gracing a mixed perennial border, or taking centre stage in a container, this plant is as adaptable as it is striking. You could even weave this lovely local in among ornamental grasses for texture and contrast. Planning a tropical vibe around the pool this summer? Don’t forget to include Eucomis. Once settled and firmly rooted, Eucomis requires minimal care, making it a fuss-free choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Do pineapple lilies like sun or shade?

The pineapple lily’s tropical style is well-suited to the full sun kind of life. Keep them happy in a sun-soaked position.

How to plant pineapple lily bulbs?

Something to consider before planting is the height of your variety, then plant in a suitable pot or position in the garden. When it comes to planting Eucomis, they do prefer a bit of breathing room. Do this by planting the bulb out with the neck at soil level and space them 20cm apart.

Make sure they are comfy in rich, fertile soil (although will tolerate poor soil, but do consider amending it with good quality organic compost) and keep them well mulched too.

How do you take care of Eucomis plants?

To maintain that lush tropical vibe, make sure to give your plant deep, consistent watering throughout the growing season. Think every three to four days, for 10 minutes when planted in the garden. If you have opted for pots, water every two to three days until water runs out the bottom of the pot. After flowering, treat your plant to a little extra nourishment by feeding with Hadeco Bulb Food or a similar fertiliser. Apply the feed every two weeks, continuing until the plant goes into dormancy the following May — keeping your blooming beauty happy and ready to dazzle again next season!

If your Eucomis has been growing for a while and is looking a bit cramped, you can thin them out after flowering, by digging up the plant and removing the offsets while the plant is dormant in late autumn or winter, and then replanting. If you have them in a pot, do repot every few years to refresh the soil. You may also need to move to a larger pot if it gets larger. The real bonus is that these true bulbs are mostly pest-free.

Can you grow  Eucomis  from seed?

Eucomis are easy to grow from seed. If you would like to harvest seeds, leave the spent flowers intact. This allows the plant to redirect its energy from the bulb into seed production. Once the seeds have formed, you can collect them and sow them in spring.

More about the pineapple lily

Naturally, Eucomis bulbs call the Sneeuberg, Hogsbank, Uitenhage and much of Kwazulu-Natal home, but they are also found to extend through Lesotho and the Free State right up to Gauteng in damp grasslands, woodlands and rocky regions. This perennial ‘herb’ has a bulb around 10cm in diameter, and usually grows with its rosette of lance-shaped, waxy, wavy edged leaves pressed flat against the ground. The cylindrical ‘flower’ (flowerhead) is actually a dense raceme, or inflorescence, which is a fleshy stem covered in hundreds of creamy white, purple or golden-white star-shaped flowers, and blooms throughout December in most regions of the country. At the tip of the spiky stem sits a corona (or rosette) of lime green bracts or leaves reminiscent of a pineapple, hence the common name. These flowers don’t just ‘pop’ in, they stay for 3 – 5 weeks, depending on how pampered they are. You can even cut them for the vase for a striking display in your home. After the plant has been pollinated, the white flowers often turn green. Eucomis will continue to grace your garden with beauty until the temperatures start to drop with the oncoming winter months.

Add a sparkle to your summer garden with the pineapple lily. Happy gardening!

Disclaimer: Handle loose Eucomis bulbs with caution as they are poisonous. Keep away from children and pets.