The Best Time To Plant Eucomis Bulbs For Stunning Summer Blooms

If you're looking to add a bit of tropical flair to your garden this summer, you might want to take a look at Eucomis, or pineapple lilies. These unusual plants hail from South Africa and are grown from bulbs, much like spring flowers such as daffodils. The plants have quite thick, strap-like leaves which grow from a basal rosette and can vary in color from green to purple. In summer, they produce flowers spikes that can reach a height of 3 feet. On these spikes grow masses of small star-shaped blooms in varied shades of white, pink, or purple. These stunning summer blooms are ideally planted in spring, once all danger of frost has passed. They would look great planted with the other popular summer bulbs you can add to your garden, such as Asiatic lilies and bearded irises. 

Gardeners in USDA zones 7 through 10 can grow Eucomis plants all year round, while those in colder areas will have to lift the dormant bulbs in the fall and store them indoors over winter. There are only 13 species in this genus, but there are several cultivars and hybrids you can choose from. As Eucomis plants grow relatively tall, they present just one of the creative ways to shade your plants from the brutally hot sun. 

The best time to plant Eucomis bulbs is in spring as there's no lingering fear of frost. Ideally, soil temperatures should be at least 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Although these outstanding plants can be grown in full sun, in hotter regions, they'll fare better if they get some afternoon shade. The soil needs to be well-drained and rich with organic matter. Plant the bulbs around 3 to 6 inches deep in the ground. Remember to add some mulch to keep the soil moist. If you're in zone 7, you should be able to overwinter the bulbs in the ground if you cover them with a thick layer of mulch.

There are many advantages to growing Eucomis species in your garden. The flowers will attract pollinators, like bees and butterflies, and they're also loved by hummingbirds. The lovely blooms can be cut and will last for over three weeks in a vase. Best of all, these gorgeous plants will be left alone by any rabbits or deer who like to visit your garden. You can even grow Eucomis bulbs in pots for an attractive summer display. When the foliage dies down, just store them in the garage and bring them out again in spring. They should only need dividing and repotting every three or four years. And, to continue the tropical vibe in your yard, you might be interested in a variety of cold-tolerant tropical plants that will bring a touch of summer to your home year-round.