How to plant Eucomis
Eucomis plants bring an exotic feel to patio pots and sunny borders. The upright flower spikes are topped with a tufted leafy crown, giving rise to the common name of Pineapple Lily. This majestic genus hails from the warm, sunny climes of Southern Africa so it can resent shade - even from neighbouring plants! Give them an open, position in full sun where their impressive blooms can steal the limelight. Their architectural flower form and lush basal foliage make them ideal for providing a verdant accent plant to tropical planting schemes, or an eye-catching focal point on the patio.
How to plant
- Plant Eucomis bulbs in spring between February and May. If planting before the last frosts, it is best to pot them up and grow them on a bright, frost-free place. Eucomis started in pots can be transplanted into the garden later in the spring, once the risk of frost has passed. Alternatively, Eucomis bulbs can be planted directly into borders in fertile, well drained soil after risk of frost has passed. If storing the bulbs to plant a bit later in the season, ensure they’re stored with the packets left open in cool, dry conditions and check on them regularly to make sure they are not developing mould or deteriorating.
- Wide, shallow containers are best for Eucomis. When planting into containers, use a good quality loam-based compost, mixing in a little grit to improve drainage, or use multipurpose compost. A handful of grit at the base of the planter will help to prevent rotting during periods of heavy rainfall.
- There is no need to soak the bulbs. Plant them with the pointed end facing upwards at a depth of around 15cm (6in). Space them around 15cm (6in) apart to allow plenty of space for the foliage to grow.
- Eucomis need an open position in full sun to thrive. Avoid shade at all costs, even from other neighbouring plants.
- Water-in after planting and keep well hydrated when in growth.
Aftercare
- Eucomis starts to grow foliage in late spring, followed by flowers from July to September. The best displays are produced after a prolonged, sunny period in summer.
- Stems will naturally die back in autumn and can then be cut back to around 5-10cm above ground level. Allow the faded flower stems and foliage to turn yellow before removing them as this helps to feed the bulb for next year’s display.
- Although cold tolerant if kept fairly dry in free-draining soil, Eucomis are not fully hardy and in most cases will require some winter protection. Containers can be moved to a frost-free location in autumn and returned outdoors in late spring. There is no need to water containers of dormant Eucomis over the winter months.
- Where planted in borders, the bulbs should be lifted in autumn, potted up and stored in a cool, dry and frost free place over winter. They can be re-planted outdoors again the following spring.