Eucomis pallidiflora

RHS Plant Profile
giant pineapple lily
giant pineapple lily RHS 1998

Other common names

giant pineapple flower

Synonyms

Eucomis punctata var. concolor

Award of Garden Merit
Bulbs Herbaceous Perennial

A robust, bulbous perennial to 1.5m tall, with erect, strap-shaped light green leaves to 30cm long, with crinkled margins, and bearing racemes 40-80cm long of starry, greenish-white flowers in late summer

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Chalk, Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Chalk Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H5

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Asparagaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Tufted, 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
South Africa, Lesotho

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant bulb deeply, at least 15cm deep, to support the very tall stem, in fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil in a sheltered position in full sun. Mulch well in colder areas. Tall flower spikes may need staking. See eucomis cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown in autumn or spring or remove offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Cottage and informal garden
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Coastal
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

Generally disease-free