Eucomis bicolor

Genus: Eucomis - Species: bicolor - Family: Asparagaceae

Phonetic Spelling: yoo-KO-miss BY-kul-ur

Common Names:

  • King's Flower
  • Pineapple Lily

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. Propagation can be done by division. Plant bulbs in spring 4-6 inches deep and 12 inches apart. 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.They fragrance can be 

It can provide beautiful fresh-cut flowers and is at home in perennial beds, containers, walkways, courtyards, as a specimen and in pollinator gardens.

Insects, Diseases, and Other Plant Problems:  No significant problems but watch or slugs, snails and aphids.

 

Tags

full sun tolerant
summer flowers
pollinator plant
butterfly friendly
showy flowers
specimen
easy to grow
bee friendly
container plant
woodland
perennial
cutting garden
courtyard garden
bulb
summer bulbs
bumblebee friendly

Quick Facts

  • Height: 1 ft. 0 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • Width: 1 ft. 6 in. - 2 ft. 0 in.
  • USDA Zones:
    • 7a
    • 7b
    • 8a
    • 8b
    • 9a
    • 9b
    • 10a
    • 10b
  • NC Region:Not specified
  • Origin:South Africa

  • Life Cycle:
    • Bulb
  • Plant Types:
    • Bulb
  • Habit:Not specified

Distribution

N/A

Uses

N/A