Pineapple Lily Eucomis bicolor 'Alba'
ABOUT
Eucomis bicolor 'Alba', commonly known as Pineapple Lily, is a distinctive and eccentric flowering plant. Its unique appearance features a rosette of wide, strappy leaves that are a soft, lush green. The leaves often display undulating edges, adding to the textural interest of the plant's base. Rising above the foliage is the Pineapple Lily's namesake feature: a tall spike adorned with tiny, star-shaped flowers. These flowers, resembling a miniature pineapple, are creamy white with greenish or purplish edges, creating a delicate contrast against the brighter white. Interspersed among the flowers are small, leaf-like bracts that enhance the resemblance to a pineapple, especially as they often appear crowned at the top of the bloom spike. The overall effect is both tropical and architectural, with the blooms towering regally over the base leaves. The Pineapple Lily displays a striking, almost otherworldly appearance in gardens or as a potted specimen, intriguing onlookers with its unique form and exotic blooms.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Pineapple Lily, Pineapple Flower, White Pineapple Lily, Alba Pineapple Lily
Common names
Eucomis bicolor, Eucomis punctata 'Alba'.
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as Pineapple Lily (Eucomis bicolor 'Alba') is not typically classified as toxic to humans. However, it is always recommended that no part of ornamental plants should be ingested by humans as they are not meant for consumption and may cause mild stomach upset or an allergic reaction depending on individual sensitivity.
To pets
Pineapple Lily (Eucomis bicolor 'Alba') can be toxic to pets, such as cats and dogs. If ingested, the symptoms of poisoning may include vomiting, diarrhea, and drooling. In severe cases, ingestion could lead to more serious symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, lethargy, or an abnormal heart rate. It is important to keep this plant out of reach of pets and to consult with a veterinarian immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested any part of the plant.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
2 feet (60 cm)
Spread
1 foot (30 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
8
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Value: Eucomis bicolor 'Alba', commonly known as Pineapple Lily, offers unique and striking flowers that resemble pineapple tops, adding aesthetic appeal to gardens and landscapes.
- Low Maintenance: The Pineapple Lily is relatively easy to care for, requiring minimal attention once established, making it suitable for gardeners of all skill levels.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, the Pineapple Lily is fairly drought-tolerant, making it a good choice for gardens in drier climates or for water-wise landscaping.
- Attracts Pollinators: The blooms of the Pineapple Lily attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects, promoting pollination in the garden.
- Long Blooming Period: The flower spikes of the Pineapple Lily can last for several weeks, providing a prolonged display of interest during the summer months.
- Versatility: This plant can be grown in borders, containers, or as a focal point in garden beds, offering flexibility in garden design and space utilization.
- Deer Resistance: The Pineapple Lily is generally resistant to deer, which can help prevent damage to the garden in areas where deer browse.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Pineapple lily bulbs can be used as a natural dye source for textiles, providing colors that range from soft yellow to greenish hues depending on the mordants used.
- As a model plant in botanical studies, pineapple lily serves educational purposes by helping students understand bulbous plant growth cycles and pollination strategies.
- The pineapple lily's strong architectural form can be utilized in photography and art projects, adding an exotic and dramatic element to compositions.
- The nectar-rich flowers of pineapple lily can be used to attract and sustain beneficial pollinators like bees and butterflies in a garden ecosystem.
- Pineapple lily's resilient foliage can be incorporated into floral arrangements as a long-lasting green element, complementing more ephemeral flowers.
- Bulb propagation demonstrations can be carried out using pineapple lily's bulbs, teaching methods of asexual plant reproduction in gardening workshops.
- Pineapple lily can be planted in outdoor containers as a focal point on patios or balconies, creating a striking visual interest in urban gardening displays.
- The leaves of pineapple lily can be used in crafts, such as pressing for botanical prints or nature-inspired decoupage projects.
- As a theme plant, pineapple lily can inspire garden designs or plant collections that focus on South African flora or other exotic plant themes.
- During festive seasons, pineapple lily's distinctive flowers can be incorporated into event decorations, such as table centerpieces or venue adornments.
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: Pineapple Lily, being unique in appearance with its tuft of leaves atop the flower spike, symbolizes exotic beauty and a sense of fascination.
- Welcoming: Similarly to pineapples in general, this plant can symbolize hospitality and a welcoming nature due to its resemblance to the tropical fruit which has long been a symbol of warm welcomes.
- Rarity: Because Pineapple Lily is not as commonly found in gardens as other flowers, it can represent rarity and uniqueness.
WaterThe Pineapple Lily prefers even moisture during its growing season, so it should be watered regularly. Aim to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. During the active growth period in spring and summer, water the plant once a week with about 1 gallon of water, depending on the size of the plant and the container. Adjust the watering frequency based on rainfall and temperature, watering more during hot, dry spells. Reduce watering in the fall as the plant enters dormancy, and throughout winter provide just enough water to prevent the soil from drying out completely.
LightPineapple Lily thrives in full sun to partial shade conditions. To achieve its best growth and bloom, plant it in a location where it will receive at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. If the climate is particularly hot, some afternoon shade will help prevent stress to the plant. Avoid deeply shaded areas, as insufficient light can impair flowering and overall vigor.
TemperaturePineapple Lily can tolerate a range of temperatures but prefers to be in an environment where temperatures are between 60°F and 85°F. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 50°F, but it should be protected or moved indoors if the temperature threatens to drop lower. During the growing season, keep the plant in a warm spot with good air circulation to promote healthy growth.
PruningPruning the Pineapple Lily isn't typically necessary, but you can remove spent flower stalks after blooming to tidy up the plant and encourage potential reblooming. If there are any yellow or dead leaves, you can trim them off at the base to promote good health and appearance. The best time for pruning is post-flowering or when foliage begins to decline naturally in the autumn.
CleaningAs needed
SoilPineapple Lily thrives best in a well-draining soil mix that's rich in organic matter. A mixture of two parts loam, one part peat or compost, and one part sharp sand or perlite is ideal. The soil pH should be slightly acidic to neutral, ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.
RepottingPineapple Lily bulbs should be repotted every 2-3 years to ensure there is enough room for growth and to refresh the soil. Spring, after the frost has passed, is the best time for repotting.
Humidity & MistingPineapple Lily prefers moderate humidity levels but is quite adaptable. The best humidity level ranges from 40-70%, which usually fits within normal household conditions.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place in bright, indirect light and keep soil moist.
Outdoor
Plant in partial shade, well-draining soil, and water regularly.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleThe life of a Pineapple Lily (Eucomis bicolor 'Alba') begins when the bulb is planted in well-draining soil during spring. The bulb sprouts and develops into a rosette of strap-shaped leaves, followed by the emergence of a tall flower spike in midsummer, which bears star-shaped, white flowers with maroon edges closely packed in a raceme, topped with a tuft of leaf-like bracts resembling a pineapple. After the flowering stage, the plant sets seed if pollinated; however, many gardeners remove the flower spikes to encourage bulb growth. As fall approaches, the leaves yellow and die back, and the plant goes into dormancy, withdrawing nutrients back into the bulb. During winter, the bulb remains dormant underground, conserving energy for the next growing season. In the following spring, the cycle starts anew with the growth of fresh leaves, thus continuing the life cycle of the plant.
PropogationPropogation time
Early summer
Pineapple lily is most commonly propagated by dividing its offsets, also known as bulbils or daughter bulbs. The best time for this is in late summer after the foliage has died back or in early spring before new growth begins. Gardeners carefully dig up the mother bulb, taking care not to damage it, and gently separate the offsets which have formed around the base. These offsets can be directly planted into well-draining soil at a depth approximately three times the height of the bulb, spaced about 12 inches (30 centimeters) apart to allow room for growth. Providing adequate water and avoiding deep watering that may cause the bulb to rot are key to successful establishment of the new plants.
