Scientific Name
Eucomis bicolor
Common Name
King's Flower, Pineapple Lily
EUCOMIS
bicolor (Flowers are generally greenish-white, but other color selections exist.)
A. Flowering Characteristics
Eucomis flowers in mid-summer (July/August) for 3-4 weeks. Plants are 12-24 inches tall.
B. General Characteristics
1. Origin of species: South Africa
2. Common names: King's Flower, Pineapple Lily
3. Geophyte organ: Bulb
4. Hardiness type: Tender III -Injured at temperatures below 35 degrees F (2C) when planted.
5. Natural reproductive systems and growth and development requirements: Reproduces slowly by seed and offsets and requires a warm (55 to 70F) - cool (33 to 40F) - warm (60 to 75F) annual thermoperiodic cycle.
6. Primary uses: Exhibition bulbs, fresh cut flowers, beds, and woodland gardens.
C. Cultural Information
1. Bulb sizes: 16/up cm, in circumference.
2. Planting density: 12 inches apart, 1 per sq. ft.
3. Planting depth: 5 inches to base of the bulb.
4. Planting time: Spring
5. Perennialization habit: 1990 USDA Climatic Zone 7 with mulch, Zones 8 to 11 without mulch.
6. Light requirements: Full sunlight to PM only or AM only sunlight.
7. Moisture: Tolerates drought but should be kept moist during growing season.
8. Animal susceptibility: Not reported.
D. Companion Plants:
Coreopsis, Hemerocallis (yellow cvs.), Kniphofia (yellow cvs.), Leucanthemum (Shasta daisies), Peonies (white and yellow cvs.), Rudbeckia, Salvia, Sedum, Verbascum, Buddleia, Hibiscus syriacus, Acer palmatum, Lagerstroemia.

unknown cultivar

Eucomis bicolor

Holland Technical Service Bulletin Number 37 was prepared for the WWW system by A.A. De Hertogh, L.B. Gallitano, G. Hartley, M.E. Traer, and A.B. Russell, Department of Horticultural Science, NC State University. The information was obtained not only from original research conducted by the authors but also from databases released by other sources. This Bulletin was published by the International Flower Bulb Center (IBC), Hillegom, the Netherlands on behalf of the Dutch Flower Bulb Industry. Because of the various climates in North America and year-to-year variability of the weather, the IBC cannot and does not accept responsibility for divergent results that may arise using information obtained from this document or site. Photographs copyright @1997 by A.B. Russell and A.A. De Hertogh. Computer programming by Miguel Buendia, graphics by Brad Capel.