Eucomis Playa Blanca - Pineapple flower

Eucomis 'Playa Blanca', also known as the pineapple lily, is a floriferous variety of intermediate size with inflorescences shaped like greenish-white pineapples, beautifully complemented by dark bluish-green foliage. This bulbous perennial produces tall spikes of tightly packed flowers in the heart of summer, held by a fleshy stem. The top of the flower is crowned by a tuft of leaves that strongly resembles the one atop a pineapple. This unique plant will add an exotic touch to your garden. It thrives in moist, fertile, well-drained soil, in full sun or partial shade. It is ideal for borders or pots.

Eucomis 'Playa Blanca' belongs to the Asparagaceae family. It is a horticultural selection resulting from the cross-breeding of species native to southern Africa. It is a deciduous herbaceous perennial that grows from a large, bulbous structure resembling a hyacinth bulb. Over time, it forms a clump that reaches a height of 50cm (20in) when in bloom, with a similar spread. In spring, its glossy dark green leaves emerge in a voluminous rosette. Initially small, they grow and expand until flowering. They are thick, long, and linear, arranged in a crown around a central axis. In the heart of summer (July-August), this eucomis produces a tall, fleshy flower spike covered with a large head of tiny white-green flowers, topped by a cluster of leaves, much like the ones found on top of a pineapple. The flowering is followed by the formation of spherical fruits. This plant produces bulblets around the mother bulb, helping the clump to slowly expand over the years.

Plant Eucomis 'Playa Blanca' in rockeries or in well-drained borders, alongside kniphofias, crocosmias, and Gladiolus callianthus. On its own, it creates magnificent borders near pathways. It also pairs well with baby's tears, columbines, ferns, tall foxgloves, or carpets of violets.

Hardy down to -10°C (14°F), it thrives in full sun or partial shade in any well-drained, fertile, and moist soil. It is also easy to grow in pots (which allows for overwintering), and its long-lasting flowers make beautiful exotic bouquets.