Eucomis bicolor - Variegated pineapple lily

The Eucomis bicolor, also known as the Pineapple Lily or Bicolor Eucomis, is an unusual South African bulbous plant, with a somewhat exotic appearance, but easy to grow and integrate with other plants in the garden. In summer, a rosette of large leaves emerges, bearing inflorescences with small flowers in shades of white, purplish pink, and green, topped with a tuft of spring green leaves, resembling the silhouette of a pineapple. Relatively hardy, this perennial can be grown in the ground in regions that are not too cold, as well as in pots to adorn the terrace or balcony.

The Eucomis bicolor belongs to the family of Liliaceae, or Hyacinthaceae according to classifications. Its origins are found in the eastern regions of South Africa, specifically in Transvaal, characterized by dry winters.

It is a herbaceous perennial plant with deciduous foliage in winter, growing from a large bulb that resembles a hyacinth bulb. Over time, it forms a clump of 60 cm (24in) in height when flowering, and occupies approximately 50-60 cm (20-24in) in width on the ground. In spring, its foliage emerges in a voluminous rosette of glossy leaves in fresh green color. Initially small in size, the leaves grow and expand until flowering. They are thick, long, and linear, arranged in a crown around a central axis. It is in the heart of summer (in July-August) that this eucomis unfolds a large fleshy floral spike in green color, dotted with small purple spots. The upper part of this spike is covered with a large head composed of tiny star-shaped flowers, consisting of 6 petals with a waxy texture. Their color is white-green bordered with purplish pink. This inflorescence is topped by a large cluster of bracts resembling leaves, similar to the one found at the top of a pineapple fruit. The entire plant really resembles a pineapple plant. The flowering is followed by the formation of spherical fruits. This plant produces bulblets around the mother bulb, allowing the clump to slowly expand over the years. The vegetation disappears in autumn, while the bulb goes into dormancy in winter, in a soil that remains rather dry.

Plant Eucomis bicolor in rockeries or in well-drained borders, alongside kniphofias, crocosmias, and Gladiolus callianthus for example. It alone forms beautiful borders near pathways. It will also look impressive alongside mulleins (Verbascum), scabious, tall foxgloves, Oriental poppies, grasses... Hardy down to -10°C (14°F), this Eucomis thrives in full sun or partial shade in well-drained soil that remains moist during the growing and flowering period. It is also easy to grow in pots (which allows for overwintering), and its long-lasting flowers make for lovely exotic bouquets.