Eucomis 'Joy's Purple'
ABOUT
Eucomis 'Joy's Purple' is a striking ornamental plant commonly known as Pineapple lily due to its resemblance to a pineapple, particularly in the way its flower spike is topped with a rosette of leaf-like bracts. The foliage of 'Joy's Purple' is broad and strap-shaped, displaying a lush green color that sometimes has a hint of purple undertones, depending on the light exposure and time of year. The most defining feature of the Pineapple lily is its flower spike, which emerges as a long stalk adorned with star-shaped flowers closely arranged around it, much like the skin of a pineapple. These flowers are usually a deep purple or violet, creating a dramatic contrast with the green foliage beneath. The rosette of bracts crowning the flower spike adds to its pineapple-like appearance and may feature a similar purple or greenish tone, providing an interesting texture and visual appeal to the inflorescence. 'Joy's Purple' emits a subtle, sweet fragrance, which becomes more noticeable as the blooms mature. The overall impression of this plant is that of a unique and exotic addition to any garden setting, attracting attention with its bold, architectural form and the vibrant color of its blooms. It is popular not only for its visual interest in the garden but also as a cut flower, bringing a tropical touch to floral arrangements.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Pineapple Flower, Pineapple Lily, Joy's Purple Pineapple Lily.
Common names
Eucomis 'Joy's Purple'.
ToxicityTo humans
Pineapple lily is not widely recognized for severe toxicity to humans. However, as with many plants, some people may experience mild irritation or an allergic reaction from handling the plant or ingesting its parts. It is considered wise to avoid consuming this decorative plant, as it is not intended for human consumption, and doing so may cause gastrointestinal discomfort or other mild symptoms in sensitive individuals.
To pets
Pineapple lily is not known to be highly toxic to pets, but it should still be kept out of reach from animals to prevent any potential risk. Ingestion can sometimes lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or drooling, though severe toxicity is rare. If a pet does consume any part of the plant, monitoring for any unusual behavior and consulting a veterinarian is advisable.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
1-2 feet (0.3-0.6 meters)
Spread
1 foot (0.3 meters)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Adds unique beauty to gardens with its striking purple foliage and flower spikes resembling pineapple tops.
- Pollinator Attraction: Attracts bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, which are vital for pollination and ecological balance.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for busy gardeners or those with limited horticultural experience.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, it demonstrates a degree of drought resistance, which is essential in areas with water restrictions or dry climates.
- Versatility in Landscaping: Can be used in a variety of garden styles, including borders, containers, and as a focal point in garden beds.
- Long Blooming Period: Offers a long season of interest, with flowers blooming from mid to late summer.
- Deer Resistance: Generally not favored by deer, meaning it's more likely to thrive in areas with deer populations.
- Propagates Easily: Can be easily propagated from offsets, allowing gardeners to increase their stock and share with others.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Photography Prop: The unique purple blooms of the Pineapple Lily make it an excellent subject for botanical photographers seeking to capture the beauty of unusual plants.
- Floral Arrangements: The long-lasting flowers can be used in both fresh and dried floral arrangements for a touch of exotic drama.
- Theme Gardens: Incorporate the Pineapple Lily into a purple-themed garden to maintain a monochromatic aesthetic throughout the landscape.
- Fairy Gardens: Due to their whimsical appearance, the Pineapple Lily is perfect for creating fairy and miniature gardens.
- Edging Plants: Plant Pineapple Lilies along walkways or borders for a structured yet playful edge to garden beds.
- Container Gardening: Ideal for pots and planters, these plants can be a focal point on balconies or patios where ground planting isn't possible.
- Educational Use: Utilize Pineapple Lily in school gardens to teach students about plant reproduction and bulb growth.
- Wedding Decor: The distinctive flowers can be included in wedding bouquet designs or as table centerpieces for a unique look.
- Culinary Display: Although not edible, the Pineapple Lily can be used as a non-toxic decoration for food displays at events.
- Craft Projects: The robust nature of the flower stalks allows for their use in arts and crafts, such as creating natural dyes or in flower pressing.
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 Appearance: The striking features of the Pineapple Lily, with its unusual flower spike resembling a pineapple, symbolize exotic beauty and uniqueness.
- Rarity: As it’s not a common garden plant, the Pineapple Lily can represent rarity and specialty, highlighting the uniqueness of an individual or situation.
- Charm and Attractiveness: With its attractive blooms, the Pineapple Lily is often associated with charm and allure, reflecting the magnetic pull of something or someone's presence.
- Prosperity and Success: In some cultures, pineapple-like plants are symbols of wealth and success, with the Pineapple Lily being no exception.
- Hospitality: The pineapple, in general, is linked to warmth and welcoming, so the Pineapple Lily may carry connotations of hospitality and friendship.
WaterThe Pineapple Lily, as Eucomis 'Joy's Purple' is commonly known, should be watered thoroughly, allowing the soil to become moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in the spring and summer, water the plant about once a week with approximately 1-2 gallons, depending on the size of the pot and the plant's environment. Always check the top inch of soil for dryness before watering again. Reduce frequency in fall and suspend watering in the winter when the plant is dormant.
LightThe Pineapple Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. A spot that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight is ideal. However, in regions with intensely hot summers, provide some afternoon shade to prevent leaf scorch. The plant will perform best with bright, indirect light for the remainder of the day.
TemperatureThe Pineapple Lily prefers warm temperatures and does well in a typical room temperature range of 65-75°F. It can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50°F but should not be exposed to temperatures below this as it could cause harm. The ideal temperature range will promote robust growth and flowering.
PruningThe Pineapple Lily benefits from pruning primarily to remove spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves. Cut back the foliage after it has died down in the fall to tidy up the plant and encourage new growth in the spring. Pruning is typically done once a year, after the growing season is over.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPineapple lily (Eucomis 'Joy's Purple') prefers a soil mix that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. A suitable mix can be created with equal parts of loam, peat, and sharp sand to ensure proper drainage. Alternatively, a commercial orchid mix or cactus mix can be used as a base. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0 for optimal growth.
RepottingPineapple lilies, including 'Joy's Purple', should be repotted every two to three years or when the potting mix deteriorates, which can impede drainage. Over time, the bulb-like structures at the base of the plant, called bulbils, can also crowd the pot and require division during repotting. It is best to repot the pineapple lily after it has finished flowering and is entering its dormancy period.
Humidity & MistingPineapple lily (Eucomis 'Joy's Purple') thrives in moderate humidity conditions. Aim for a humidity level between 40-60% for optimal health. If the air is too dry, the leaf tips may start to brown. To maintain suitable humidity, consider using a humidity tray or lightly misting the surrounding air, but avoid wetting the foliage directly.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright, indirect light and protect from drafts.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil in a sunny spot.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life cycle of Eucomis 'Joy's Purple', also known as pineapple lily, begins with the dormant bulb stage during winter, where the bulbs reside underground. As temperatures rise in spring, shoots begin to emerge from the bulb. The plant enters its vegetative growth phase, developing long, strap-shaped leaves that form a rosette at the base. The pineapple lily produces a tall central flower spike in summer, which bears a cluster of star-shaped flowers lending it the appearance of a pineapple, hence its common name. Following pollination, the flowers develop into seed capsules if conditions allow, or the plant may propagate through bulbils produced around the base of the old flower spike. As temperatures cool, the pineapple lily dies back to the bulb, re-entering dormancy until the next cycle begins in spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
The optimal time to propagate the Eucomis 'Joy's Purple', commonly known as Pineapple Lily, is after the plant has finished flowering and the foliage begins to die back, usually in the late summer to autumn period. The most popular method of propagation for Pineapple Lily is by separating offsets from the parent plant. These offsets, or small bulbils, form at the base of the main bulb. To propagate, carefully lift the entire plant out of the ground after the foliage has yellowed. Gently separate the offsets from the mother bulb, ensuring each one has a portion of the root system attached. Replant the offsets immediately at a depth of about 3 to 4 inches (approximately 7.5 to 10 centimeters) in well-draining soil, preferably in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. Water them sparingly till they establish themselves.
