Ananas comosus var. variegatus (v)
variegated pineapple
An evergreen, terrestrial bromeliad with dense rosettes of dark green, lance-shaped leaves up to 1m long, with a broad cream stripe along each edge, and spiny margins. In summer it produces cone-like clusters of purple flowers, with reddish-yellow bracts, followed by bright red, edible pineapples up to 30cm long
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Cream Green Variegated | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Yellow | Cream Green Variegated | ||
| Autumn | Cream Green Variegated | Red | ||
| Winter | Cream Green Variegated |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ananas are evergreen, terrestrial bromeliads with basal rosettes of spiny-margined, lance-shaped leaves. In summer, they produce showy flowers in dense, terminal, cone-like clusters followed by fleshy, edible fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in terrestrial bromeliad compost in full light, low to moderately humidity and no draughts. Water freely when growing and flowering, reduce slightly and add a balanced liquid feed weekly when in fruit, keep barely moist at other times
Propagation
Root basal offsets in early summer, or sever the leafy rosette at the top of the fruit, allow it a day or two to callus then root it in a barely-moist mix of peat, or peat substitute, and sand in indirect light at 21°C
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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