Pineapple lily Eucomis vandermerwei
ABOUT
The plant commonly known as Pineapple Lily is a striking and unusual specimen that makes a statement in any garden or landscape. Its appearance is characterized by a rosette of long, strappy leaves which are deep green in color, often with wavy or slightly curled edges. These leaves create a lush, textured base for the plant's most distinctive feature: its flower spike. The flower spike is an exotic structure reminiscent of a pineapple, hence its common name. It rises from the center of the leaf rosette, topped with a cluster of small, star-shaped flowers. The flowers are typically a rich maroon or purple color and are densely packed around the stem, giving the flower spike a bottlebrush appearance. Above this intriguing floral display sits a tuft of leaf-like bracts, which can be green or similarly colored to the flowers, adding to the pineapple-like aesthetic. Furthermore, the flowers may also give off a subtle, sweet fragrance that can attract various pollinators to the garden. Just as intriguing as its appearance is the Pineapple Lily's texture; the flower spike can be somewhat rough to the touch, providing sensory interest along with its visual appeal. In a suitable environment, this plant can become the centerpiece of a garden collection, drawing eyes with its unique form and coloration.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Asparagaceae
Synonyms
Van Der Merwe's Pineapple Lily, Dwarf Pineapple Lily, Yellow Pineapple Flower
Common names
Eucomis vandermerwei
ToxicityTo humans
Eucomis vandermerwei, commonly known as the Dwarf Pineapple Lily, is not widely recognized for having severe toxicity to humans. While this plant is not typically consumed, it is generally advised to exercise caution and avoid ingesting plants not known to be safe for consumption. If accidentally ingested, it may cause mild stomach upset or irritation in some individuals. However, documented cases of poisoning in humans from this specific plant are rare, and significant toxic effects are not well-established in the literature. Always consult a medical professional or poison control center if ingestion occurs and symptoms manifest.
To pets
The Dwarf Pineapple Lily (Eucomis vandermerwei) does not have a well-documented toxic profile for pets such as dogs and cats. As with humans, there is limited information on the consequences of pet ingestion of this plant, but caution is recommended as it is not typically intended for consumption by animals. In general, pets should be discouraged from eating ornamental plants as they may cause gastrointestinal upset or other symptoms, even if the plant is not known to be severely poisonous. If your pet does ingest any part of this plant and exhibits signs of illness – such as vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, or changes in behavior – it is best to consult with a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Purple
Height
6 inches (15 cm)
Spread
8 inches (20 cm)
Plant type
Bulb
Hardiness zones
7
Native area
South Africa
Benefits
General Benefits- Ornamental Appeal: Eucomis vandermerwei, commonly known as the Dwarf Pineapple Lily, features unique star-shaped flowers with a tuft of leaves atop, which resemble a small pineapple, adding a striking visual interest to gardens.
- Landscape Use: It is often used for border plantings, rock gardens, and container displays due to its compact size and decorative flowers.
- Easy to Grow: Dwarf Pineapple Lily is known for being hardy and relatively easy to cultivate, making it suitable for gardeners of all levels of experience.
- Drought Tolerance: Once established, this plant can tolerate periods of drought, which makes it a good candidate for xeriscaping and low-water-use gardens.
- Pollinator Attraction: The flowers of the Eucomis vandermerwei are known to attract pollinators such as bees, which are beneficial for the garden ecosystem.
- Long Blooming Period: It has a relatively long flowering period during the summer months, providing long-lasting color and interest in the garden or containers.
- Seasonal Interest: In addition to its summer blooms, the foliage of the Dwarf Pineapple Lily can add texture and color to garden spaces throughout the growing season.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The bulb of the pineapple flower can be used as a natural dye source, lending a subtle color to textiles and crafts.
- In horticulture, pineapple flower cultivars are crossed to create new ornamental hybrids with varied blossoms and foliage to enhance garden aesthetics.
- The dried flowers of the pineapple flower can be incorporated into potpourri mixes for a visually appealing and long-lasting component.
- The pineapple flower can be used in floral arrangements, where their striking appearance adds an exotic touch to bouquets and centerpieces.
- The juice extracted from the pineapple flower plant can be used as a natural pesticide in gardens, deterring certain pests without the use of chemicals.
- In traditional ceremonies, some cultures may utilize the pineapple flower for decorative purposes in rituals and floral displays.
- Photographers and artists may use the pineapple flower as a subject for their work, capturing its unique structure and allure in various mediums.
- Enthusiasts of plant-based crafts can use the sturdy foliage of the pineapple flower for creating botanical prints on paper and fabrics.
- The silhouette and pattern of the pineapple flower leaves can inspire designs in fields such as architecture, home decor, and fashion.
- Educators and botany enthusiasts might use the pineapple flower in teaching about plant morphology, pollination strategies, and biodiversity.
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- Exoticness: The unusual appearance of Pineapple Lily, with its rosette of leaves and pineapple-like flower spike, gives it an exotic feel, symbolizing the allure and mystery of foreign lands or concepts.
- Prosperity and Wealth: The Pineapple Lily, by name, is associated with the pineapple, which is often a symbol of warmth, welcome, friendship, and hospitality but in some interpretations can also signify prosperity and wealth.
- Rarity and Uniqueness: Eucomis vandermerwei is a rare species, so when used symbolically in plant language, it may represent the uniqueness or rarity of a situation or individual.
- Surprise and Wonder: The striking form of the Pineapple Lily can symbolize the unexpected and wonderful surprises in life, eliciting delight upon discovery.
WaterDwarf Pineapple Lily (Eucomis vandermerwei) prefers to be watered deeply, enough to soak the soil around the roots. As a general guideline, water this plant when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil feels dry to the touch, which may mean watering every few days during active growth in warmer months, and less frequently during its dormant period in winter. A good watering might involve pouring approximately 1 gallon of water for larger pots or 16 to 32 ounces for smaller pots, depending on the size of the plant and the pot. It's important to ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid waterlogging the roots, which can lead to rot.
LightDwarf Pineapple Lily thrives best in full sun to partial shade conditions. The ideal spot for this plant is where it can receive bright light for at least 4 hours per day, such as a south or west-facing area. If possible, provide it with morning sun and afternoon shade, especially in hotter climates, to prevent scorch from intense sunlight.
TemperatureDwarf Pineapple Lily prefers temperatures between 50°F and 70°F for optimal growth. It can survive minimum temperatures down to about 40°F, but should not be exposed to freezing conditions below 32°F. During the growing season, maintaining a temperature within the preferred range will ensure the best health and flowering potential of the plant.
PruningPruning is seldom required for Dwarf Pineapple Lily, but dead or yellowing leaves can be removed to maintain its appearance and health. Typically, the leaves will die back naturally after flowering, and at this point, they can be gently pulled away from the base of the plant. It's best to prune the Dwarf Pineapple Lily after its leaves and flowers have died back, generally in the fall or when the foliage has withered.
CleaningAs needed
SoilDwarf pineapple lily thrives in well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. Use a mix of loam, peat, and sharp sand to provide aeration and moisture retention. Enrich the soil with compost or a balanced fertilizer for optimal growth.
RepottingDwarf pineapple lily should be repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate growth. It's best to repot in spring before active growth begins.
Humidity & MistingDwarf pineapple lily prefers moderate to high humidity levels. Aim for around 40-60% humidity, which is beneficial for healthy growth, but ensure good air circulation to prevent disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Dwarf pineapple lily in bright, indirect light indoors.
Outdoor
Plant Dwarf pineapple lily in partial shade with shelter.
Hardiness zone
7-10 USDA
Life cycleEucomis vandermerwei, commonly known as Vandermerwe's Dwarf Pineapple Lily, begins its life cycle as a dormant bulb that breaks dormancy with the onset of warmer temperatures in spring. The plant then sends up a basal rosette of strap-shaped, spotted leaves. As it matures, a flower spike emerges, bearing a dense raceme of star-shaped, maroon flowers topped with a tuft of leaf-like bracts that give it a pineapple-like appearance, usually in the late summer. After pollination, the flowers develop into capsule-like fruits which eventually release seeds when ripe. The plant then enters a senescence phase where the foliage dies back, and the bulb goes into dormancy through the colder months. This process repeats annually, with the bulb enlarging and potentially producing offsets that can be separated to propagate new plants.
PropogationPropogation time
Late spring-summer
Propogation: The most popular method of propagating the Eucomis vandermerwei, commonly known as the Pineapple Lily, is by division of its offsets. This is typically done in the late summer or early autumn after the plant has finished flowering. When the parent plant is lifted from the ground, small offsets or bulblets can be found around the base of the main bulb. These offsets can be carefully separated and replanted immediately. Each offset should be planted about 3 inches deep (about 7.6 cm) and spaced about 5 to 8 inches apart (roughly 12.7 to 20.3 cm). The new plants will usually flower in a couple of years once they have established themselves. It is important to ensure good drainage as the bulbs are susceptible to rot, especially in wet conditions.
