Bulb
Two-coloured Pineapple Lily
Eucomis bicolor
Pineapple-like flower spikes and spotted stems make an unusual summer focal point.
- Full sun
- 10–50 cm (4–20 in)
- 10–50 cm (4–20 in)
- H4
- July–September
- Deciduous
Overview
A summer-flowering bulb with broad leaves and green flowers edged in purple. Plant in fertile well-drained soil in a sheltered sunny position. Winter wet is a major risk: mulch established bulbs in suitable gardens and shelter pots or lift bulbs in colder or wetter sites. Let foliage die back naturally. Source: https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/6919/eucomis-bicolor/details
At a Glance
Growing Conditions
Aspect Suitability
- East-facing
- South-facing
- West-facing
Soil Tolerance
- Chalk
- Sandy
- Loam
- Acid
- Neutral pH
- Alkaline
Foliage
- Architectural foliage
Foliage interest: May–October
Seasonal Timeline
- Flowering Jul Aug Sep
- Foliage May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
- Fruiting Sep Oct
- Propagate Mar Apr
Maintenance Calendar
- Apr Plant bulbs in a sunny well-drained position or pots
- Jun Water during active growth without waterlogging
- Sep Leave foliage until naturally yellow before removal
- Oct Shelter pots from winter wet and frost or lift bulbs in cold gardens
Garden Design
Works well in: Contemporary, Cottage, Tropical
Group near the front of a border or in pots where spotted stems can be seen. Ratings for wildlife, tropical appearance and architecture are editorial estimates on a 1-5 scale. Spacing and care months are UK planning guides; adjust to local conditions.
Companion planting: Grasses, Cannas, Low perennials
Wildlife Value
- Shelter
Safety
Ornamental bulb, not an edible pineapple. Do not eat bulbs or other plant parts. Blank toxicity flags mean unverified, not confirmed safe.