Pineapple Lily Eucomis comosa 'Cornwood'
ABOUT
The Eucomis comosa 'Cornwood', also known as the pineapple lily, is a distinctive flowering plant. It is named for the resemblance of its flower spike to a pineapple top. The foliage of the pineapple lily is a rosette of wide, strap-like leaves that are lush and can be various shades of green, sometimes with a hint of purple. The leaves may have a wavy or undulating edge, which adds to the plant's ornamental appeal. The most striking feature of the pineapple lily is its inflorescence, which is a tall, sturdy stalk topped with a dense cluster of star-shaped flowers. These flowers can range in color from white to various shades of pink and purple. Above the main cluster of flowers, there are often a few leaf-like bracts that give the "pineapple" appearance. These bracts can be green or sometimes match the color of the flowers, creating an attractive contrast. The entire flower spike is very showy and becomes the focal point when the plant is in bloom. In essence, pineapple lily is known for its exotic and tropical appearance despite being able to grow in environments far from the tropics. The overall impression it gives is of a bold and impactful plant that can add an exotic touch to gardens and arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Pineapple Lily, Pineapple Flower
Common names
Eucomis comosa
ToxicityTo humans
Eucomis comosa, commonly known as pineapple lily, is generally not considered highly toxic to humans. However, as with many plants, it may cause mild stomach upset if ingested in large amounts. Contact with the sap can sometimes cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals. It is always a good practice to avoid ingesting parts of ornamental plants due to potential adverse effects.
To pets
In pets, the pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa) may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested. Dogs or cats that consume parts of the plant might experience symptoms such as vomiting or diarrhea. If a pet consumes the plant, it is advisable to monitor for any signs of distress and consult with a veterinarian if symptoms persist or worsen.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
2 feet (61 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds unique beauty to gardens with its exotic and unusual pineapple-like flower spikes.
- Attracts Pollinators: Invites a variety of pollinators including bees, butterflies, and birds, enhancing biodiversity.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it is relatively drought tolerant, requiring minimal water.
- Container Gardening: Suitable for pots and containers, providing flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Easy Propagation: Can be easily propagated by offsets, allowing gardeners to multiply their plants and share with others.
- Summer Blooming: Flowers in the summer, providing color and interest when many other plants are not in peak bloom.
- Low Maintenance: Requires little care beyond basic watering and occasional feeding, making it ideal for busy or novice gardeners.
- Long Lasting Flowers: The blooms have a long life span, both on the plant and as cut flowers in floral arrangements.
- Cold Hardy: Though generally a warm climate plant, it can survive in cooler temperatures with proper winter protection.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in various landscaping styles from modern to cottage gardens.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Subject: The striking appearance of the Pineapple Lily makes it popular among photographers, especially those focusing on botanical subjects.
- Craft Projects: The long-lasting blooms can be dried and used in floral arrangements or craft projects that call for unique, hardy plant materials.
- Educational Tool: Botany teachers and educators may use the Pineapple Lily to demonstrate plant anatomy and pollination tactics due to its distinctive flower spike and reproductive structures.
- Garden Design: The Pineapple Lily's unique shape and foliage can be used to add a focal point or exotic flair to garden designs or landscaped areas.
- Theme Gardens: This plant is ideal for tropical and subtropical-themed gardens, where its appearance can support the style and atmosphere intended for these garden types.
- Culinary Presentation: Although the plant is not edible, its striking appearance can be used to adorn and enhance the presentation of dishes in culinary settings.
- Artistic Inspiration: The unusual structure and beauty of the Pineapple Lily can serve as inspiration for artists creating botanical illustrations, paintings, or sculptures.
- Cultural Significance: In some cultures, the Pineapple Lily may be used in ceremonies or decorative arrangements during festivals and events.
- Textile Designs: The unique pattern of the Pineapple Lily's leaves and flowers can inspire textile patterns for fabrics, wallpapers, or other decorative items.
- Workshops and Demonstrations: Horticulturalists and garden enthusiasts may use the Pineapple Lily for workshops and demonstrations on exotic plant care and propagation.
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 Charm: The Pineapple Lily, with its unique flower shape resembling a tropical pineapple, symbolizes exotic charm and beauty, reflecting uniqueness and a touch of the unusual in its appearance.
- Prosperity and Good Fortune: Just like the pineapple fruit is a traditional symbol of welcome and wealth, the Pineapple Lily can represent prosperity and good fortune, making it a popular plant in celebrations or as a gift.
- Hospitality: The Pineapple Lily's resemblance to the pineapple, which is a universal symbol for hospitality, signifies warmth, welcome, and friendship in the home or in social settings.
- Resilience: Being a hardy plant that can thrive in a variety of conditions, the Pineapple Lily embodies resilience and the ability to adapt and flourish in different environments.
WaterThe Pineapple Lily should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, roughly about once a week. During active growth in the spring and summer, ensure the plant receives consistent moisture without being waterlogged, which may equate to about one gallon per week depending on climate and indoor conditions. During the fall and winter, reduce watering frequency to when the soil is almost completely dry, or every few weeks, offering only enough water to keep the bulbs from drying out, typically less than a gallon.
LightThe Pineapple Lily thrives best in full sun to partial shade. Choose a location where it can receive at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Avoid deep shade as it will not promote vigorous growth or the flowering for which the Pineapple Lily is known.
TemperatureThe Pineapple Lily prefers temperatures between 60°F and 75°F for ideal growth. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F and a maximum of about 85°F without distress. Avoid exposing the Pineapple Lily to temperatures below 50°F for extended periods to prevent damage to the plant.
PruningThe Pineapple Lily benefits from pruning to remove spent flowers and yellowing leaves, which encourages better growth and appearance. Deadhead the flower stalks after blooming to prevent seeding. Pruning is best done right after flowering in late summer or early fall.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPineapple lily prefers well-draining soil with a mixture of two parts loam, one part sand, and one part compost or well-rotted manure to provide nutrients. Ideally, the soil pH should range from 6.0 to 6.5.
RepottingPineapple lily should be repotted every 2 to 3 years, or when the clump becomes crowded and the growth seems to diminish, to ensure it has enough room to thrive and multiply.
Humidity & MistingPineapple lily thrives in moderate to high humidity levels; aim for around 40-60% relative humidity for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Ensure bright light, well-draining soil, and moderate humidity.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil, partial sun, shelter from harsh wind.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleCommonly known as Pineapple Lily, Eucomis comosa 'Cornwood' begins its life cycle when a dormant bulb breaks dormancy in spring. The bulb sends up a basal rosette of strappy leaves, followed by the development of a tall flower spike resembling a pineapple, with a tuft of leafy bracts at the top. After flowering, typically in late summer, seed capsules may form and eventually disperse seeds if not deadheaded. If conditions allow, the seeds can germinate to produce new bulbs over several years. Throughout the growing season, the plant stores energy in the bulb for the next cycle. As temperatures cool, the foliage dies back and the plant re-enters dormancy for the winter, conserving energy within the bulb to start the cycle anew in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The Eucomis comosa 'Cornwood', more commonly known as the Pineapple Lily, is typically propagated by dividing bulb offsets. The best time to do this is when the plant is dormant, usually in late fall or early spring. To propagate by division, carefully lift the main bulb from the soil after the foliage has died back. You will likely see small offsets or bulblets attached to the main bulb. Gently separate these bulblets from the mother bulb, taking care not to damage the base. Each offset should have a portion of the basal plate to ensure it can grow into a new plant. Once separated, the bulblets can be planted immediately in well-drained soil, with the top of the bulb just above the soil surface. They should be spaced about 6 inches (approximately 15 centimeters) apart and watered thoroughly to establish.
