Pineapple Lily in 8″ Pot

A deciduous bulbous perennial growing from a large, rounded bulb (often purplish). Leaves form a basal rosette of strap-shaped, glossy green to burgundy leaves, 30–80 cm (12–31 in) long and 3–10 cm (1–4 in) wide, sometimes spotted or purple-tinged. In mid–late summer a stout flower stem (scape) 40–60 cm (16–24 in) (up to 1.8 m in E. pallidiflora) rises from the center, carrying a dense raceme of small star-shaped flowers (white, cream, greenish, pink, or purple depending on species/cultivar). The spike is topped by a tuft (coma) of leafy green bracts that looks like a pineapple crown. Flowers open from the bottom up and last 6–8 weeks; many have a faint coconut scent. After flowering the tepals persist and turn green; fruit are 3-angled capsules with black seeds. Common species: E. comosa (purple-spotted leaves/flowers), E. autumnalis (green/white, sweet scent), E. bicolor (purple-edged tepals, green ovary). Cultivars include ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ (maroon foliage), ‘Tugela Jade’ (green).

Quick care: full sun (≥6 hrs; light afternoon shade in very hot climates). Prefers fertile, humus-rich, well-drained loam or sandy soil (pH 6–7.5); good drainage critical to avoid bulb rot—add grit/compost. Plant bulbs in spring after last frost, 8–15 cm (3–6 in) deep in ground (tip just below soil in pots), spaced 15–30 cm (6–12 in). Keep soil consistently moist but not soggy during growth (April–Oct); reduce water in fall as leaves yellow and go dormant. Warmth 18–24 °C (65–75 °F); hardy USDA 7–10 (some to zone 6 with mulch). Feed with balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at spring start and every 2–4 weeks during growth (liquid feed for containers). Mulch in winter in ground (zones 7–8). In colder zones, lift bulbs after frost, dry, store cool/dry (10–15 °C) in peat/sand, or keep potted bulbs indoors dry and cool. Propagate by offsets in spring or seed (sown fall/spring). Generally pest-free; watch for slugs/snails on young leaves. Great for beds, borders, and containers; excellent cut flower; deer/rabbit resistant.