Eucomis vandermerwei Octopus - Pineapple flower

<strong>Eucomis is a lovely bulbous plant from South Africa that brings a lot of exoticism to borders in summer.</strong> Known as <strong>"Pineapple flower"</strong>, it has a whimsical, slightly strange quality, with inflorescences shaped like pineapples... especially since it is a plant that is rarely found in gardens. It has everything to spark curiosity! Although it is easy to care for, it is unfortunately too little known and seldom grown... In gardens, you mainly find the species <strong><em>Eucomis bicolor, comosa</em> and <em>autumnalis</em></strong>, as well as the varieties derived from them. Eucomis are unique both for the shape of their inflorescence and their colours (for example, greenish, pale yellow, or purplish, actually blending several shades), and for their foliage, especially when they are purple. Eucomis is an exotic plant with relatively low hardiness. If your climate is temperate and you live along the Atlantic coast, the Mediterranean region, or the English Channel, it can remain in the ground during winter; elsewhere, it will need protection with mulch or to be overwintered. <strong>Planting takes place in spring, in a sunny location.</strong> Eucomis is easy to grow and is rarely affected by diseases or pests. Preferring moist conditions, it mainly requires <strong>regular watering in summer</strong>. It propagates quite easily by sowing, propagation by cuttings, or division.