Eucomis
Pineapple Lily
A phenomenal display from a wondrous bulb, Eucomis belongs to the Lily family and calls tropical southern Africa its home. While its bold architectural lines beg a prominent spot in the ground or in a container, Pineapple Lily prefers warm, sunny nooks with mulched, well drained soil, and protection from excessive winter cold and moisture.
Anchored by lustrous, undulating light green leaves, maroon-flecked green stems elevate the intriguing purple-edged, pale green blooms. A tuft of verdant leaves crests each flowering raceme. Its smaller profile and out-of-the-ordinary coloration makes it an exemplary choice for a blue glazed vessel in a well traveled spot.
Blooms July–September.
Size: 18" – 2' 0" high x 2' 0" – 2-1/2' wide.
Hardy to zone 7.
The sumptuous burgundy-red, semierect rosette of strapping, waxy leaves appears more green as the weather warms. Crowned by a pineapple-like cluster of leaves, densely set starry flowers envelope thick, cylindrical maroon spikes. The purple blossoms display unique greenish tones, and add dramatic, long lasting highlights to arrangements. Showy persistent seed capsules follow.
Blooms late July–September.
Size: 2' 0" – 2-1/2' high x 2-1/2' – 3' 0" wide.
Zone 7/8.
Massive deep ruby red spikes, densely studded with star-like milky pink flowers, ascend from a gorgeous upright rosette of thick vibrant burgundy straps. Tantalizing pollinators, horticulturists and florists, the long lasting blooms are crowned by pineapple-style clusters of small leaves, while showy persistent seed capsules extend the floral splendor. A sensational choice for a container, along a pathway or atop a rock wall, ‘Oakhurst’ flourishes in bright well-drained abodes, appreciates mulch (especially during cold winters) and endures drought, though it prefers moderate moisture.
Blooms July–September
Size: 2' 0" – 2-1/2' high x 18" – 2' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 7.
Welcome the Queen of Green! Succulent, waxed and wave-edged green leaves, sturdy green stalks, and a magnificent cluster of wide-open, bright green blooms blushed slightly with pink, are followed by a display of greenish fruits. Her genus name means “beautifully headed” and it describes the unusual leaf tuft that surmounts the cylindrical flower spike. Perhaps the tallest in her lineage, we suggest grouping several Eucomis together where people will linger so the distinctive flowers can be readily enjoyed.
Blooms July–October.
Size: 4' 0" – 5' 0" high x 3' 0" wide.
Hardy to zone 8.
With bronzy merlot-colored undulating margins, the olive-green sword-like foliage shows off reddish toffee-shaded linear streaks on top, while curious burgundy stipples and striations mark the undersides. The warm-looking, somewhat erect rosette gets a cheerful lift when staunch flower stalks give way to pastel columns of star-shaped rosy pink flowers topped by leafy tufts.
Blooms late July–early October
Size: 2' 0" – 2-1/2' high x 2-1/2' – 3' 0" wide.
Zone 7/8.
Heightened by bronze overtones, curvy edges and streaked and speckled backsides, plus new burgundy growth, the 3 in. wide moss green straps reach nearly 2 ft. in length, sculpting a fantastic somewhat reflective roost. Beefy wine-hued stems uphold spectacular green tufted Pineapplesque towers that house a dense multitude of whitish flowers with prominent dusky violet centers. Companions such as Lepechinia hastata or Sedum ‘Jose Aubergine’, echo ‘Victoria’s opulent foliar shades and distinctive purple floral hues.
Blooms July–August
Size: 2-1/4' high x 3' 0" wide.
Zone 7/8.