Giant Pineapple Lily Eucomis pallidiflora Baker subsp. pole-evansii (N.e. Br.) Reyneke ex J.c. Manning
ABOUT
Commonly known as the giant pineapple lily, this plant boasts a rosette of strap-shaped leaves that are broad, with wavy edges and often displaying a multitude of tiny spots. The leaves arrange themselves in a lush, ground-hugging tuft. Rising from the center of this leafy base, the plant produces a distinctive flower spike. This spike resembles a pineapple in form, hence the common name, with a dense cluster of small, star-shaped flowers, usually in a pale shade that can range from creamy-white to greenish. These flowers are topped with a tuft of green bracts that further enhance the pineapple-like appearance. After flowering, the plant develops capsule-like fruits that bear the seeds. Overall, the giant pineapple lily is striking for its unique floral display and its tropical, exotic look despite being a hardy plant.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Giant Pineapple Lily, Pole-Evans's Pineapple Flower
Common names
Eucomis pole-evansii N.E.Br., Eucomis bicolor Hook.f. var. pole-evansii (N.E.Br.) C.H.Wright.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant known as Giant Pineapple Lily is considered mildly poisonous to humans if ingested. Consuming parts of this plant can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In particular, the sap contains components that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes, so handling the plant with care is advised to prevent any topical reactions. It is always recommended to exercise caution and keep plants known to be toxic out of the reach of children.
To pets
The Giant Pineapple Lily poses a risk to pets if ingested. Similar to its effects on humans, consumption of the plant can cause mild to moderate symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, and possible lethargy in pets. The sap may also cause irritation if it comes into contact with an animal's skin or mucous membranes. Owners should keep pets away from the plant and seek veterinary care if they suspect their pet has consumed any part of it.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Greenish-white
Height
2 feet 3 inches [70 cm]
Spread
1 foot [30 cm]
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Eucomis pallidiflora subsp. pole-evansii, commonly known as Giant Pineapple Lily, has a striking appearance with rosettes of broad leaves and tall spikes of star-shaped flowers, making it an attractive choice for gardens and landscaping.
- Biodiversity Support: The flowers provide nectar for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and birds, thereby supporting local biodiversity and promoting a healthy ecosystem.
- Garden Dynamics: As a perennial, it can contribute to the structure of a garden, offering seasonal interest and forming part of garden design strategies that focus on plant lifecycle and perennial borders.
- Low Maintenance: Once established, it is generally low maintenance, only requiring basic care, which makes it convenient for gardeners looking for plants that do not require constant attention.
- Drought Tolerance: The Giant Pineapple Lily is fairly drought-tolerant once established, making it suitable for xeriscaping and gardens in drier regions, or for gardeners seeking to reduce water usage.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Garden Ornamental: The plant is commonly used as an ornamental in gardens due to its striking flower spikes and rosette of pineapple-like leaves.
- Floral Arrangements: The long-lasting flowers of the pineapple lily are used in floral arrangements and add an exotic touch to bouquets.
- Photography Subject: With its unique appearance, the pineapple lily is a popular subject for botanical photographers.
- Crafts: Dried flower spikes of the pineapple lily can be used in crafts, such as creating natural wreaths or other decorative items.
- Bioindicator: In some regions, it may be used as a bioindicator plant to study environmental conditions within a certain area.
- Educational Use: The distinct morphology of the pineapple lily makes it a useful plant for educational purposes in botany classes.
- Container Gardening: Due to its manageable size, the pineapple lily is suitable for container gardening, allowing those with limited space to enjoy its beauty.
- Theme Gardens: The pineapple lily is often included in exotic or tropical themed gardens to provide an interesting visual element.
- Cultural Ceremonies: In some cultures, plants like the pineapple lily may be incorporated into ceremonial or celebratory decorations due to their unique aesthetic.
- Garden Dynamics: The plant can add an element of diversity to a garden, attracting pollinators and beneficial insects with its blooms.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Giant Pineapple Lily is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Giant Pineapple Lily is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Exotic Beauty: Eucomis pallidiflora subsp. pole-evansii, commonly known as the Giant Pineapple Lily, is often associated with exotic beauty due to its unique pineapple-like flower spikes and rosette of strappy leaves.
- Striking Presence: Its tall and impressive bloom symbolizes a striking presence which might align with standing out or being different in a noticeable way.
- Rarity: This specific subspecies can symbolize rarity and uncommon beauty as it is not as widely known or used in traditional horticulture.
- Curiosity: The unusual appearance of the Giant Pineapple Lily might also symbolize curiosity, representing something that invites closer inspection and piques interest.
WaterFor the Giant Pineapple Lily, water thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, usually every 7 to 10 days during the active growing season. Reduce watering in the winter to monthly, or whenever the soil is nearly dry, to prevent root rot. Provide about one-half to one gallon of water at each watering session, ensuring that excess water drains away without leaving the soil waterlogged.
LightThe Giant Pineapple Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. Planting it in a location that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight a day is ideal, but it can also tolerate some afternoon shade which can be beneficial in hotter climates.
TemperatureThe Giant Pineapple Lily can tolerate a temperature range from 50°F to 90°F but prefers the warmer end of the spectrum for optimal growth. It is not frost-hardy, so the temperature should not drop below 50°F. Ideal temperatures are between 70°F to 85°F for active growth.
PruningPrune the Giant Pineapple Lily primarily to remove spent flower stalks and yellow or dead leaves. This helps to encourage new growth and maintain the plant's aesthetic appeal. Pruning is best done after flowering or in the fall before the plant goes into dormancy.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for a Pineapple Lily (most common name) is well-draining with a high organic matter content, such as a mix of loam, sand, and compost. The ideal pH for the Pineapple Lily should be slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingPineapple Lilies should be repotted every 2-3 years or when they outgrow their current container. Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the previous one to allow for growth.
Humidity & MistingPineapple Lilies prefer moderate humidity levels but are quite adaptable. They thrive best when the humidity is around 40-60%.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Pineapple Lily in bright, indirect light with good airflow.
Outdoor
Plant Pineapple Lily in dappled sunlight and sheltered spot.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA.
Life cycleThe giant pineapple lily, Eucomis pallidiflora subsp. pole-evansii, begins its life as a seed that germinates in the spring, given suitable warm and moist soil conditions. As a perennial, it then develops a bulb from which the foliage emerges, with broad, strap-like leaves forming a rosette at the base. During the summer, a tall flower spike resembling a pineapple, due to its top-knot of leafy bracts, appears and provides a spectacular bloom with numerous star-shaped, cream to pale green flowers. After flowering, the plant sets seed, which can be dispersed around the parent plant, allowing new individuals to sprout in subsequent seasons. In fall, the foliage dies back as the plant enters dormancy, with the bulb surviving underground through the winter. The following spring, the cycle begins anew, with the bulb sending up fresh growth to start the process over.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Eucomis pallidiflora subsp. pole-evansii, commonly known as the giant pineapple lily, is through dividing the offsets or bulbils. These small bulbs form around the base of the parent plant. The best time to propagate the giant pineapple lily by dividing offsets is in the late summer to early fall, after the plant has finished flowering and begins to go dormant. To propagate, carefully unearth the parent bulb and gently separate the offsets, which should have developed their own roots. Plant these offsets in well-draining soil at a depth of about 4 inches (approximately 10 centimeters) and space them about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to give them room to grow. Ensure they are in a location with full sun to partial shade and water them well to establish. This method allows gardeners to quickly increase their stock of the stunning giant pineapple lily.
