Pineapple lily - Eucomis comosa (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Pineapple lily

Also known as: Wine eucomis, Pineapple plant

Pineapple lily (*Eucomis comosa*) gets its common name from the arrangement of foliage reminiscent of pineapple leaves that sits atop its spiky stem. The genus name also comes from the tuft of foliage, but in this case, the name compares it to a tuft of hair: "Eucomis" combines the Greek words “eu,” meaning good, and “come,” meaning hair. This plant is indigenous to South Africa.

Scientific classification

Species

Pineapple lily (Eucomis comosa)

Instantly identify plants with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.

Download the App for Free

Perennial

Lifespan

Herb

Plant Type

Summer, Fall

Bloom Time

Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

45 cm to 50 cm

Plant Height

10 cm to 50 cm

Spread

Green, Purple

Leaf Color

61 cm

Flower Size

Purple, Lavender

Fruit Color

Summer

Growth Season

Moderate

Growth Rate

Distribution of Pineapple lily

Distribution Map

Pineapple lily is native to the southern regions of the African continent. Its range has expanded beyond these native territories, as the plant has been introduced and cultivated in various temperate zones globally. Pineapple lily thrives in both its natural habitats and as an ornamental garden plant in regions with similar climates to its origin.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

Discover plant distribution and habitat

Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.

Download the App for Free

Habitat

Rocky ground

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

The blossoms of pineapple lily provide an excellent source of food for bees, butterflies, and other garden pollinator insects in pollinator-friendly gardens. Before the plants bloom, they sends up an attractive green stalk, and after the blossoms fade, the purple seed pods continue to provide color. The bulbs can be planted in the ground or a container.

Get quick plant knowledge with a snap

Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.

Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Pineapple lily, including the following common varieties :

Pineapple lily 'Glow Sticks'Pineapple lily 'Tugela Jade'

Quickly Identify Pineapple lily

Rosette of strap-shaped leaves with wavy edges, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long.

Distinctive pineapple-like flower spike, 2 feet (60 cm) tall with rose pink-tinted white flowers.

Fleshy, indehiscent berries with persistent floral parts and vibrant colors upon ripening.

Tiny star-like flowers in dense raceme, greenish-white tinged with purple.

Dark green leaves with purple spots and smooth texture, arranged in a basal rosette.

Identify plants with a snap

Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.

Download the App for Free

Care Guide for Pineapple lily

Every week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 35 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Originating from South Africa, pineapple lily thrives in well-drained, semi-arid conditions and is drought-tolerant. Water weekly during growth, with a dry rest post-flowering. Adequate sunlight and warmth support its unique flower spikes, which require proper water management for optimal blooming.

Fertilize: For optimal growth and flowering of pineapple lily, use balanced nutrition fertilizers monthly during active growth and switch to high-phosphorus formulas pre-bloom. Apply quarter-strength doses, avoiding over-fertilization. Cease fertilization in dormancy and adjust practices seasonally to align with pineapple lily's growth cycle.

Pruning: Pineapple lily, with its unique pineapple-like flowers, needs minimal pruning. Trim faded flower stalks in early to late spring for better health and growth. Removing dead or yellow leaves improves appearance and reduces pests. Proper timing is key to prevent disease and encourage new growth.

Propagation: Pineapple lily is propagated mainly through division by separating offsets from the parent bulb. Maintain root integrity when teasing out the smaller bulbs. Plant them in well-draining soil at the right depth to encourage successful establishment and root growth.

Get tips and tricks for your plants.

Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.

Download the App for Free