Description

General aspect and origins - Eucomis bicolor is also known as pineapple lily or pineapple flower. It is a bulbous perennial which is native to South Africa, and has ornamental yellow-green flowers with purple edges. Moreover, the inflorescence is topped by a tuft of green leaves that really gives the plant the appearance of a pineapple, hence the common name pineapple lily.
Leaves - Leaves of the pineapple lily are decidious, strap-shaped and light green whith purple marks. They can be up to about 12 in (30 cm) long.
Flowers - Eucomis bicolor produces inflorescences made of pale green flowers with maroon-purple edged tepals. A tuft of green bracts at the top of the inflorescences gives the plant the appearance of a pineapple.
Fruits - Fruits are inedible and ornamental.

Culture

This plant is both ornamental and fairly frost hardy : with a light ground protection, bulbs may withstand frosts down to about 15°F. (-10°C) This plant may thus be grown in USDA zones 8 and warmer.
Soil - This plant requires a well-drained ground.

Propagation

This plant is propagated by seeds or bulb separation. Propagation by seeds is relatively easy, but expect to wait a few years from seed to flower.