Eucomis zambesiaca
Zambesi pineapple lily
A compact, bulbous perennial to about 20cm producing a rosette of strap-shaped, light green leaves. Upright spikes of white, star-shaped flowers topped with a cluster of light green, leaf-like bracts, are produced in late summer
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, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Asparagaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Clump forming, Tufted
- 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
- Malawi to N South Africa
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in very free-draining compost in a terracotta pot and taken under cover for winter. Can grow outdoors in very mild areas, planting 10cm deep in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun
Propagation
Propagate by removing offsets in spring, or by seed sown at 16°C in spring or autumn
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Patio and container plants
- Flower borders and beds
Pruning
Remove flower spikes once the display is over and allow foliage to die down naturally
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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