Pineapple Lily Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt.
ABOUT
Eucomis autumnalis, commonly known as the pineapple lily, is an eye-catching bulbous plant. The distinct feature that earns it the moniker is the tuft of leaf-like bracts that crowns the floral spike, resembling the top of a pineapple. The leaves of the pineapple lily are strap-shaped, broad, and form a rosette at the base. They are typically lush and can be a bright to deep green in color, which beautifully contrasts with the striking flower spike. The flower spike itself is a dense raceme, comprised of star-shaped, small flowers. While the color of the flowers can range, they are usually found in a soft creamy white to pale green shade, and they bear a hint of purple or green dots on the petals. The flower stalk is sturdy and arises from the center of the leaf rosette, with the flowers arranged around it, gradually opening from the bottom up. The pineapple lily blooms in the late summer to early fall, and the flowers are known for their long-lasting quality. The overall appearance of the plant is quite architectural and exotic, and it is often used to provide a tropical touch to temperate gardens. It has a strong, geometric presence in the garden due to the well-defined shapes of its leaves and flower spike.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Pineapple Lily, Autumn Pineapple Flower, Pineapple Flower
Common names
Eucomis punctata (L'Hér.) Thunb., Eucomis schijffii Reyneke, Eucomis schultzei-rehneltiae Wetschnig & Pfosser, Eucomis schweinfurthii Baker, Eucomis zambesiaca Baker, Ornithogalum autumnale Mill.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White to greenish
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Eucomis autumnalis, commonly known as the pineapple lily, features unique flower spikes that resemble pineapples, adding an exotic look to gardens.
- Easy to Grow: The pineapple lily is relatively easy to cultivate in a variety of soil types, requiring minimal maintenance.
- Attracts Pollinators: Its flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems and aiding in plant pollination.
- Long Blooming Season: The plant has a long flowering period during the late summer months, providing extended visual interest in the garden.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Eucomis autumnalis is moderately tolerant of drought, making it suitable for water-efficient landscaping.
- Cut Flower Use: The blooms and foliage of pineapple lily are popular in floral arrangements due to their distinctive appearance and longevity.
- Container Gardening: It is well-suited for pots and containers, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its unique beauty.
Medical Properties- Anti-inflammatory: Eucomis autumnalis has been traditionally used to reduce inflammation in various ailments.
- Analgesic: The plant is believed to possess pain-relieving properties.
- Antimicrobial: Extracts from the plant may have activity against certain bacteria and fungi.
- Antioxidant: Compounds in the plant could help in protecting the body against oxidative stress.
- Anticonvulsant: There is evidence to suggest that it may be helpful in managing seizures or convulsions.
- Antitumor: Some studies indicate potential antitumor properties, though more research is required to substantiate these claims.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral Arrangements: Eucomis autumnalis, commonly known as pineapple lily, adds an exotic touch to bouquets and floral decor due to its unique flower spike resembling a pineapple.
- Garden Design: The plant is often used in rockeries and borders for its striking appearance and ability to add a tropical flair to temperate gardens.
- Edible Garden: In some cultures, the bulb of the pineapple lily is used as a food source, often cooked or baked like a vegetable.
- Natural Dye: The leaves and stems of Eucomis autumnalis can be used to produce a natural green dye for textiles or crafting materials.
- Education and Research: Botanical gardens and universities use the pineapple lily as a teaching tool to study pollination biology due to its unique flower formation.
- Companion Planting: Gardeners may plant pineapple lilies alongside other summer bulbs to create a succession of blooms and varied textures in the garden.
- Photography Subject: Its aesthetically pleasing structure makes it a favorite subject for photographers and botanical illustrators.
- Erosion Control: Pineapple lily's root system can help stabilize soil in sloped gardens, thereby preventing erosion.
- Container Gardening: This plant is suitable for pots and planters, offering gardeners without much space the opportunity to grow this ornamental species.
- Symbolism and Gifts: The pineapple lily is sometimes given as a gift due to its association with prosperity and uniqueness, often in decorative pots for special occasions.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Pineapple Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Pineapple Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: Because of its unusual appearance resembling a pineapple with its tuft of leaves atop the flower spike, Eucomis autumnalis, commonly known as pineapple lily, is often associated with exotic beauty and uniqueness.
- Rarity: The pineapple lily is not as commonly found in gardens as other plants, which can symbolize rarity or something precious and uncommon.
- Surprise and the Unexpected: Since the pineapple lily does not look like a traditional lily, its striking appearance can symbolize surprise and the unexpected in the world of plants.
- Prosperity and Wealth: The pineapple form of the flower head has connections to prosperity and wealth, as the fruit (pineapple) itself is often seen as an exotic and luxurious item.
- Good Hospitality: In various cultures, the pineapple is a symbol of welcome and good hospitality, which may extend to its lily counterpart, suggesting warmth, friendliness, and graciousness in hosting guests.
WaterFor the Pineapple Lily (Eucomis autumnalis), it is essential to water it deeply and allow the soil to become moderately dry between waterings. This could mean watering the plant with approximately 1 gallon of water every week during its growth period, although this frequency should be adjusted based on the weather and soil drainage. During the dormant season, water much less frequently, just enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out, which might be only once a month or less if the soil retains moisture well. Always check the top couple of inches of soil for dryness before watering again.
LightThe Pineapple Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant would be a location where it receives at least six hours of direct sunlight daily but is protected from the intense midday sun. A spot with morning sun and afternoon shade or dappled sunlight throughout the day is also suitable for ensuring healthy growth.
TemperatureThe Pineapple Lily prefers a temperature range between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal growth. It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, but extended periods outside this range can stress the plant. Protect the plant from frost and ensure it is not exposed to temperatures below 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent cold damage.
PruningPruning the Pineapple Lily is generally not necessary but can be done to remove spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves. Deadheading the flowers after blooming encourages a tidy appearance. Cut the foliage back only after it has turned yellow and begun to die back naturally, typically in the fall. Pruning is also a good time to divide overcrowded bulbs if needed.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPineapple lily prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. A soil mix consisting of two parts loam, one part sand or perlite, and one part peat or compost will provide the necessary drainage and nutrients. Ensure that the pot has ample drainage holes to prevent waterlogging.
RepottingPineapple lily should be repotted every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. The best time for repotting is in the spring before the new growth starts. Use a slightly larger pot to give the roots more room to grow.
Humidity & MistingPineapple lily thrives at average room humidity levels, between 40-50%. If the air is too dry, especially in winter, use a humidifier or place the pot on a tray of wet pebbles to increase humidity around the plant.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and keep soil moderately moist.
Outdoor
Place in partial shade; protect from harsh afternoon sun.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleEucomis autumnalis, commonly known as the autumn pineapple lily, begins its life cycle when seeds germinate in well-drained soil and adequate warmth. Seedlings develop into bulbs, which are the plant's storage organs and the basis for future growth. In late spring or early summer, foliage emerges as broad, strap-like leaves that form a rosette at the base of the plant. As the plant matures through the growing season, a tall flower spike resembling a pineapple, due to its tuft of leaf-like bracts at the top, develops and blooms with small, star-shaped flowers. After flowering from late summer to autumn, seeds are produced and dispersed, or the plant can also propagate vegetatively through offsets from the parent bulb. The foliage dies back in winter when the plant goes dormant, conserving its energy in the bulb for the next growth cycle.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to summer
The most popular method of propagating Eucomis autumnalis, commonly known as pineapple lily, is by division of its bulbs. This should ideally be carried out in the spring just before new growth begins. To propagate, carefully lift the parent plant from the soil and gently separate the smaller bulblets from the base of the mother bulb. These bulblets are then planted in well-draining soil at a depth of about 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7.5 centimeters), allowing space for the new plants to grow. It's important to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged to encourage root development. The new plants will generally start to show growth within a few weeks and can bloom within a couple of years. This method is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in producing clones of the parent plant.
