Pineapple Lily

The unusual-looking flowers resemble their namesake fruit.

Pineapple Lily Overview

Description Grown for its ability to add instant tropical vibes to a space, pineapple lily is a tender bulb that grows well in both the landscape and in containers. Pineapple-shaped flower spikes bloom in shades of green, pink, violet, and white above wide, strap-like leaves. Count on pineapple lily to bloom for six weeks or more in summer. In cold climates, dig up bulbs and save them in a frost-free place over winter or simply treat them as annuals and enjoy them for one season.
Genus Name Eucomis
Common Name Pineapple Lily
Plant Type Bulb
Light Part Sun, Sun
Height 6 to 6 inches
Width null to 2 feet
Flower Color Green, Pink, Purple, White
Foliage Color Blue/Green, Purple/Burgundy
Season Features Summer Bloom
Special Features Attracts Birds, Good for Containers, Low Maintenance
Zones 10, 7, 8, 9
Propagation Division

Colorful Combinations

Pineapple lily is a cinch to grow in a container. Pair this bold tropical bulb with bright magenta, purple, yellow, and orange annuals for a summer-long parade of color. Calibrachoa, angelonia, sweet potato vine, and verbena all would make excellent planting companions. In warm regions where pineapple lily is hardy, plant it directly in the garden. Group three or more bulbs together to create an eye-catching display of bold foliage and flowers.

Pineapple Lily Care Must-Knows

Pineapple lily grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Good drainage is important because the roots will rot in wet or boggy soil. Plant the bulbs 4 to 6 inches deep and about 6 inches apart. For container gardens, plant one bulb in a 5- to 6-inch pot or three to five bulbs in a 12-inch pot. Situate the bulbs in the container so they are just below the soil surface.

Winter Details

Pineapple lily is hardy in Zone 7 and above, though it may also overwinter in Zone 6 when its root zone is covered with a thick blanket of mulch. In colder zones, dig up in-ground or containerized bulbs in fall before your area's first frost. Allow them to dry in a warm place for a couple of weeks, then remove old foliage. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place that will remain above freezing until it's time to plant them again in spring after the danger of frost has passed.

More Varieties of Pineapple Lily

'Leia' Pineapple Lily

'Leia' Pineapple Lily
Denny Schrock

'Leia' has striking dark flowers. Its burgundy-maroon buds open to raspberry-pink flowers. Zones 7-10

'Sparkling Burgundy' Pineapple Lily

'Sparkling Burgundy' Pineapple Lily
Peter Krumhardt

Eucomis 'Sparkling Burgundy' bears purple foliage and pink-blushed flowers in summer. It grows 2 feet tall. Zones 6-9.

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