Pineapple Lily Eucomis 'Leia' (PBR) (Aloha Lily Series)
ABOUT
Eucomis 'Leia', also known as Pineapple Lily, is a unique and ornamental plant that features a striking appearance. It showcases a rosette of wide, strap-like leaves that are lush green in color, creating a dense and tropical-looking base. From this foliage emerges a singular, upright flower spike that makes this plant exceptionally eye-catching. The floral display resembles a pineapple, with a tuft of green bracts at the top, hence its common name. The flowers themselves are small, star-shaped, and densely packed around the stout stem, typically in a rich, burgundy purple to white color with attractive contrasting centers. The overall effect is a bold and exotic addition to any garden space, lending a tropical air to its surroundings. The Pineapple Lily blooms during the summer months, offering a long period of visual interest.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae.
Synonyms
Pineapple Lily, Eucomis 'Leia', Aloha Lily.
Common names
Eucomis 'Leia' (PBR) (Aloha Lily Series)
ToxicityTo humans
Pineapple lilies, like Eucomis 'Leia', are generally not considered toxic to humans. However, it is always recommended that you do not eat or ingest any part of ornamental plants as they are not intended for consumption. If accidentally ingested, they could potentially cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction in some individuals, but severe poisoning is unlikely.
To pets
Pineapple lilies, such as the Eucomis 'Leia', may cause mild gastrointestinal upset if ingested by pets. This can include symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. It is not typically considered highly toxic to cats or dogs, but it's always best to keep an eye on your pet and consult with a veterinarian if you suspect that they have eaten any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
1-2 feet (30-60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Blooms: Eucomis 'Leia' produces unique, pineapple-like flower spikes that add an exotic touch to gardens and containers.
- Compact Growth: As part of the Aloha Lily Series, this plant is known for its compact habit, making it suitable for small spaces and borders.
- Easy to Grow: It is considered low maintenance, which is perfect for both novice and experienced gardeners.
- Long Flowering Period: This plant boasts a lengthy blooming season, providing color and interest from mid to late summer.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, Eucomis 'Leia' is fairly drought-tolerant, reducing the need for frequent watering.
- Deer Resistance: The foliage and flowers are generally not favored by deer, thus requiring less protection in areas with deer populations.
- Container Suitability: It grows well in pots, making it a versatile choice for patios, balconies, and other outdoor living areas.
- Pollinator Friendly: The blooms attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Floral arrangement centerpiece â The exotic look of Aloha Lily flowers makes them an eye-catching focal point for bouquets and table arrangements.
- Natural fabric dye â The pigments from the flowers of the Aloha Lily can potentially be used to create natural dyes for fabric, offering a range of colors from soft pinks to deep purples.
- Photography subject â The unique appearance of the Aloha Lily, with its pineapple-like flower spike, can be an interesting subject for botanical photographers.
- Garden design teaching tool â Due to its distinctive looks, the Aloha Lily can be used in horticultural courses to teach about plant form and texture contrasts in garden design.
- Ink production â Similar to fabric dye, the pigments from the Aloha Lily could be used in the production of natural inks for art or writing.
- Culinary garnish â While not commonly consumed, the striking flowers of the Aloha Lily could be used as an ornamental garnish for dishes in high-end culinary presentations.
- Educational specimen â The Aloha Lily can be used in schools or botanical gardens as a living specimen to educate about bulbous plants and their growth cycles.
- Perfumery inspiration â The scent of the Aloha Lily, while not commercially extracted, may inspire perfume makers seeking new floral notes for their fragrances.
- Ecoscaping â Aloha Lilies can be used in ecoscaping to support local ecosystems, attract pollinators, and increase biodiversity.
- Crafting botanical prints â The leaves and flowers of the Aloha Lily can be used in crafting to create botanical prints on paper or fabric for artistic purposes.
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- Pineapple Lily: The common name for Eucomis 'Leia' is Pineapple Lily. It symbolizes hospitality and welcoming, as its unique flower spike and tuft of leaves resemble a pineapple, which is a universal symbol for these values.
- Exotic Charm: With its striking appearance and tropical feel, the Pineapple Lily represents exotic charm and uniqueness, suggesting a sense of wonder and fascination.
- Longevity and Durability: The robust nature and hardiness of the plant signify longevity and the ability to endure challenging conditions, much like its ability to thrive with minimal care.
- Wealth and Prosperity: In some cultures, the dense flower head of the Pineapple Lily is associated with wealth and prosperity, likely due to its full and lavish look.
- Novelty and Originality: As a distinctive plant with unusual features, it can also be associated with novelty and originality, celebrating the new and different.
WaterPineapple lilies, including the variety 'Leia,' prefer consistent moisture during their growing season. Water them deeply once a week, providing about 1 to 1.5 gallons of water for each plant, ensuring the soil becomes moist but not waterlogged. During hot, dry spells, you may need to increase the frequency to twice a week. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant starts to die back, and during dormancy in the winter, water sparingly, only enough to prevent the soil from completely drying out.
LightPineapple lilies thrive in bright, indirect light to partial sun. A spot that receives morning sunlight and afternoon shade is ideal. They can tolerate full sun in cooler climates, but in hotter regions, protection from the intense afternoon sun will prevent leaf burn and ensure the health of the plant.
TemperaturePineapple lilies do best in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can tolerate a minimum temperature of around 50 degrees Fahrenheit but are not frost-hardy and should be protected or moved indoors if temperatures are expected to drop below this. During active growth, maintaining a consistently warm temperature will support healthy development.
PruningPruning pineapple lilies involves removing spent flower stalks and yellowing leaves to maintain a tidy appearance and direct energy back into the bulb. Trim back flower stalks after the blooms have faded, usually in late summer or early fall. Regular pruning isn't necessary, but an annual clean-up will keep the plant healthy and visually appealing.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPineapple lilies prefer well-draining soil with a mix of one part potting soil, one part perlite or sand, and one part organic matter like compost. Aim for a pH between 6.0 and 6.5 for optimal growth.
RepottingPineapple lilies should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they become root-bound. Ensure the new pot is only slightly larger than the previous one.
Humidity & MistingPineapple lilies thrive in average room humidity levels, around 40-60%. They do not require high humidity but appreciate occasional misting.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use bright, indirect light and well-draining soil for indoor pineapple lilies.
Outdoor
Plant in well-draining soil in a spot with partial sun and shelter.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of Eucomis 'Leia' (commonly known as Pineapple Lily) begins with the germination of seeds or the growing from bulbs, under warm conditions with well-drained soil. After sprouting, the plant develops a rosette of strap-shaped leaves at the base, with a gradual increase in size indicating a healthy juvenile phase. As it reaches maturity, typically in late spring or early summer, a tall flower spike emerges from the center of the rosette, resembling a miniature pineapple, hence its common name. The flowers bloom from the bottom up, displaying a distinctive array of star-shaped flowers that can last several weeks. Following pollination, the flowers fade, and the plant may produce seed capsules if conditions allow, thereby completing its reproductive cycle. During the cooler dormant season, the foliage dies back, and the plant conserves energy in its bulb for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Eucomis 'Leia', commonly known as the Pineapple Lily, is best propagated through division, a method that can efficiently produce new plants while preserving the traits of the parent. This should be done in the spring when the plant is just beginning to emerge from dormancy. To propagate by division, carefully unearth the parent plant and gently separate the bulb offsets, which are small bulbs that grow at the base of the main bulb. These offsets should be allowed to dry for a day before planting them in well-draining soil. It's crucial to plant the offsets with the pointed ends facing upwards and to cover them with about 2 inches (approximately 5 centimeters) of soil, followed by thorough watering to establish the roots.
