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Eucomis are a small genus of 11 species that belong to the Hyacinthaceae. 10 species of which, come from South Africa, the other species; Eucomis zambesiaca, coming from
highland regions of Malawi. First introduced into cultivation in the UK well over 200 years ago.
The name Eucomis is derived from the Greek word Eukomos, meaning 'Beautifully Haired'. Their common name, to which they are referred 'the pineapple lily', is very well deserved. However, I'm often amazed at the number of people who when told their common name, go and smell them, and expect them to smell of pineapple as well. They then get quite an
unpleasant surprise when they do as their smell can be quite unpleasant and often foetid, as they attract flies of various descriptions for their pollination, and I've noted green bottles, bluebottles, house flies and horse flies pollinating them. Growing around 50 forms though has not yet upset my wife, and it would seem that the flies, which might have once come into the house now prefer to stay outside.
All the above species I have found to be hardy to at least -5C, and most will also tolerate winter rainfall during the dormant season. All are planted at a depth of between 4 and 5 inches deep, with the exception of E. vandermewei, 2 inches, and thus to prevent frost damage, as frosts can penetrate the ground here to a depth of about three inches.
I find it very strange that these bulbs are marketed as being half-hardy only, and that they need a sunny spot. Nothing is further from the truth, as I have found most species to be frost hardy, even those I keep in pots, but further to this they must have some shade at least. All of the above tend to loose water from their leaves, and become limp very quickly if grown in full sun, and especially if grown in pots, and even if well watered.
I tell garden visitors here, that I treat them in a similar manner to Clematis, planting them where their roots can remain cool and moist during summer months. Their foliage where to can come through but not be over shaded out by other bulbs or plants, and to the effect that their flowers can be appreciated as they deserve during the flowering period.
Indeed, I believe Eucomis could make very good plants for north facing borders, if planted deeply and given a little protection in frosty areas. They rise from the ground in the very late in spring or early summer, thus there is little chance of their buds being damaged by late frosts. Indeed I have found that I can grow them with Gladiolus x colvillei or tristis planted directly around their base, as the colvillei will often flower and dieback before the Eucomis break surface.
Horticulturally, Eucomis are becoming quite fashionable, and this recent popularity has lead to the breeding or selection of numerous hybrids. Hybrids are currently being produced both in the UK, Germany, Holland, Australia and New Zealand. The latter, by IBS member, and well known nurseryman Terry Hatch. It would seem that more and more gardeners are looking for things a bit more unusual and interesting for their gardens nowadays. The ease of propagation has also meant that they can be commercially supplied very easily. A few hybrids offered in the UK are being micro-propagated, and such is the case with Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy', but I often wonder how this might effect the quality of plants offered, as Eucomis can vary even from taking larger leaf cuttings.
Eucomis propagate easily from leaf cuttings, and different people have different methods of doing it. I've heard of various methods and these include; 6mm square pieces on agar, postage stamp sized cuttings in water; and my un-technical method of cut the leaf up put it in compost and hope, which usually works if the leaves don't rot off soon afterwards.
Apparently less rot if the leaf cuttings are taken earlier in the season.
Bulbs should be planted according to their size. Smaller species should planted at a depth of three inches deep but given some protection in winter, a layer of grit or woodchip over them to a depth of one to two inches will help. Otherwise, plant between 4 and 6 inches deep. Please note, E. regia, E. zambesiaca and E. vandermewei are usually grown
Containerised, as they are smaller, and least frost hardy species.
Eucomis continued
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