Eucomis montana
montane pineapple lily
A bulbous perennial to about 40cm forming a rosette of upright, strap-shaped, bright green leave. Produces a dense, upright spike of star-shaped, green or white flowers with brownish-purple centres, topped with a cluster of leafy bracts, on a stout purple or purple-spotted stem in early to mid-autumn
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Green | |||
| Autumn | Green Purple White | Green | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H5Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Eucomis are bulbous perennials forming a large basal rosette of strap-shaped leaves, with an erect stem bearing a dense raceme of star-shaped flowers, topped by a crown of leafy bracts, opening in late summer and early autumn
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- E South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Plant 15cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Mulch well over winter in colder areas. See eucomis cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown in autumn or spring. Alternatively remove offsets in spring or take leaf cuttings in early to mid-summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Gravel garden
- Sub-tropical
- City and courtyard gardens
- Cottage and informal garden
- Patio and container plants
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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