What does Eucomis autumnalis need to grow well?
They need to be grown in full sun, or in at least half a day of bright light, otherwise the tall flower stems will weaken and fall over. The attractive flowers on the Eucomis Autumnalis grow on long, thick stalks that resemble a pineapple and appear in December to January.
Do pineapple lilies come back every year?
About the Pineapple Lilies Pineapple lily plants grow from bulbs. These interesting bulbs start out as a rosette and do not usually start blooming for a year. Then annually, the plants produce the pineapple shaped flowers in July to August.
How do you look after pineapple lilies?
Keep pineapple lilies well-watered during summer but dry in winter. Pineapple lilies don’t like winter wet, so either dig up your bulbs or move pots indoors in autumn and keep dry until the following spring. Water well through the summer in dry weather. Remove dead leaves and spent flowers.
Are Eucomis poisonous to dogs?
Eucomis bicolor has no toxic effects reported.
How do you take care of Eucomis autumnalis?
They are frost hardy and should survive a winter minimum of -7 C / 20 °F (zone 9), although in regions where frost is expected, it is advisable to plant them in a sheltered position, in tight clumps, in very well-drained soil, and to keep them as dry as possible and to cover them with a thick protective mulch of leaves …
How do you maintain Eucomis autumnalis?
Eucomis autumnalis produces a long thin flower spike topped with a small rosette of leaves. For best results keep plants well watered during summer but keep dry in winter. New plants can be propagated by removing offsets from the parent bulbs in spring.
How do you grow eucomis?
Grow eucomis in loose, well-drained soil. Heavy or soggy soil may cause the bulbs to rot. Eucomis will not grow in cold soil. Plant the bulbs after all danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature is 65 degrees or warmer.
How do I overwinter the eucomis?
Winter protection In winter, protect the bulbs in the garden with a layer, about 10cm (4in) thick, of dry mulch, such as bark or leafmould. Alternatively, lift the bulbs, dry them off and store in a frost-free place, such as a greenhouse or shed. Containers can be brought into a frost-free place in October.
When should you plant eucomis bulbs?
Plant your eucomis bulbs in spring, as they will bloom from July thru September. Make sure the planting soil is damp and well-drained. Eucomis does prefer a bit of sun, so pick a spot that gets about six hours of sunlight each day.
How do I overwinter Eucomis UK?
In winter, protect the bulbs in the garden with a layer, about 10cm (4in) thick, of dry mulch, such as bark or leafmould. Alternatively, lift the bulbs, dry them off and store in a frost-free place, such as a greenhouse or shed. Containers can be brought into a frost-free place in October.
Where is Eucomis autumnalis used?
South Africa
Although the bulb is toxic, Eucomis autumnalis is used medicinally in South Africa. Decoctions of the bulb in water or milk are usually administered as enemas for the treatment of low backache, to assist in post-operative recovery, and to aid in healing fractures.
How do you plant Eucomis autumnalis?
How to plant Eucomis in pots
- We recommend planting in a loam-based compost like John Innes No. 3 with added grit.
- Mix 2/3 compost to 1/3 horticultural grit.
- Plant in a wide, shallow pan container.
- Plant bulbs so the tip is just below the surface.
- Allow 7-15cm (3-6″) apart.
How tall does a Eucomis pineapple lily grow?
The plants typically grow 18-24″ tall and equally wide. Easy to grow, with their long-lasting flowers and attractive foliage, Eucomis Pineapple Lilies attract butterflies and add easy tropical flair to flowerbeds, borders and containers.
How big are the leaves on Eucomis autumnalis?
The bulbs are large (8-10cm diameter), ovoid in shape, and give rise to a rosette of large, broad, soft-textured, fleshy, wavy-edged leaves, about 12-35 cm long x 6-7.5 cm wide. The inflorescence is a dense cylindrical raceme on a stout stalk, crowded with up to ±125 starry yellowish-green flowers with a tuft of leaf-like bracts at the tip.
When is the best time to plant Eucomis?
Eucomis is deer resistant, pest free and ridiculously easy to grow. Propagate by seed, sown in fall or spring. Alternatively remove offsets in spring. Bury the bulb 3 in. (7 cm) below the soil surface (shallower in a pot).
How did the Eucomis plant get its name?
The name Eucomis is derived from the Greek eukomos meaning beautifully haired, from the Greek eu- meaning well and kome hair of the head, and refers to the tuft of leaf-like bracts that crown the inflorescence. This same feature also gave it its English and Afrikaans common names.