Try growing an exotic pineapple lily
If you’re craving a tropical look from a hardy perennial then try the pineapple lily
As August drifts into September there’s one plant that stands with such prominence in the garden. Eucomis, or pineapple flower/pineapple lily, offers structure, Indian summer glamour and flowers that cause excitement. If you’re after an exotic look then this plant is almost impossible to beat.
At Stockton Bury we grow them in pots and in the borders. Although often thought of as fairly tender, I’m not convinced this is justified. Yes, they need a sunny spot and a well-drained soil if you plan to keep them outside in winter, but they'll make it through given the right conditions. The trick is to plant bulbs much deeper than often suggested. As with many plants that dance on the tightrope between tender and hardy, it's the winter wet that kills them and not the cold.
If you’re concerned your soil isn’t well-drained enough, then mix some horticultural grit into the hole before planting. Plant bulbs in April or early May and although you’ll often see 15cm (6in) as the recommended depth, I’d personally go for 20cm (8in). If you aren’t convinced your soil is well-drained enough, or you garden in a frost pocket, then during winter protect plants with a layer of leaf mould. If you’re really concerned you could lift, dry and store in a frost-free place.
The eucomis in pots in our Herefordshire garden spend the winter in a frost-free place, with watering dramatically reduced as they’re in a dormant state. They’re then repotted and fed in early spring before going out on display.
If growing in a container I’d give them a generous pot all to themselves. The larger types have such impressive foliage they need their own space and will simply swamp neighbouring plants. As summer switches to autumn the foliage quickly turns quite mushy. Allow it to yellow, then cut back along with the flower spike, unless you’re wanting to save the seed.
Firm favourites
There are many different eucomis to choose from but I’m going to focus on my favourites and leave you to explore the wonderful possibilities now that I’ve whet your appetite.
The absolute master of the lot when it comes to structure, size and all-round wow factor is Eucomis pole-evansii. Expect to pay a pretty penny for a bulb or plant but I’m convinced they’re worth it. This hardy perennial bulb will reach 1.5m (5ft) at least, so place in a sheltered position as supporting them is tricky. As with all eucomis, the flowers almost appear to hatch from a nest of foliage and then leap up on a giant stalk as they mature. The flowers are a lime-green and white, which makes this plant easy to place with other annuals and perennials. On top of the flower is a crown of leaves which is why the plant is
rightfully named the pineapple flower. If you prefer a deep maroon foliage and a plant that’s a little smaller, then let me introduce Eucomis comosa ‘Sparkling Burgundy’. Treat in the same way as its larger relative but you won’t need to support this type as it only reaches a rather neat 60cm (2ft). The foliage offers impact in the border throughout June and July and the pink flowers are the crescendo in August and September. The pink flowers look spectacular against the deep burgundy flower stem.
Head to Avon Bulbs (www.avonbulbs. co.uk) in early spring to order your bulbs. You might be wise to make your choice after Christmas and expect bulbs to be delivered in March. I’ll be trying Eucomis comosa ‘Pink Gin’ next spring – what will take your fancy?