Home Planting & Growing Guides Eucomis 'Pineapple Lily' Planting & Growing Guide

Eucomis 'Pineapple Lily' Planting & Growing Guide


Sure, flowers come in all different shapes and sizes, but these showstoppers are particularly exquisite. Eucomis are summer-blooming bulbs with exotic flowers that get their common name, "Pineapple Lily," from their deep resemblance to the tropical fruit. They're long flowering, easy to grow, and exciting additions to both garden beds and containers. So, are you ready to grow your own? Read on to get all the dirt on planting and growing Pineapple Lilies!

  • Planting Depth
    3-4"
  • Planting Proximity
    10-12" Apart
  • Planting Season
    Spring
  • Plant Benefits
    Exotic, tropical interest.
  • Water Quantity
    Moderate
  • Bloom Season
    Summer
  • Sunlight Quantity
    Full to Partial Sun
  • Hardiness Zones
    Zones 8-10

Where to Plant

While Eucomis are quite easy to grow, they appreciate plenty of sunlight (a little mid-day shade is fine in warmer regions) and well-drained soil. If you notice puddles of water 5–6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site or amend the soil with organic material to raise the level 2–3 inches. These plants are great for containers or outdoor plantings but will not thrive in soggy soil or standing water.


When to Plant

Eucomis bulbs are best planted outdoors in the spring after the risk of frost has passed. However, if you're looking to get a head start, pot them up indoors roughly a month before you move them outside. These beauties will bloom in the summer, with foliage appearing just a few weeks after planting and flowers following close behind.


How to Plant

  • For outdoor landscape planting, find a spot where the soil drains well, and your Eucomis plants will receive plenty of sun. Dig holes and plant the bulbs 3 to 4" deep and 10 to 12" apart at the base with the pointy end facing up.
  • For container planting, start with good quality, well-drained potting soil, and plant the bulbs 10" apart and 3 to 4" deep at the base with the pointy end facing up. Be sure to choose a container with adequate drainage holes.
  • Water thoroughly, soaking the soil to settle it around the bulbs without air pockets.

How to Grow

  • Water as needed during active growth periods, supplying about 1" of moisture per week.
  • Leave the foliage in place after blooming has finished for the season. The leaves will gather sunlight to create food through photosynthesis, strengthening the bulb for the future.
  • Remove the dry foliage when the leaves turn yellow and die back around late summer or early fall.
  • Allow your Pineapple Lilies to rest for a few months in dormancy before beginning the next growing cycle in early spring.

Eucomis Tips & Tricks

  • Feel free to cut the fanciful flower stems when in bloom for gorgeous bouquets, as doing so will not hurt your plants.
  • Amend the soil with finely ground bark, decomposed manure, or compost to improve drainage and encourage a healthy start.
  • Expect an abundance of butterflies to stop by for a visit when your Pineapple Lilies are in bloom!

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