Eucomis (PineappleLily)

Neither a pineapple nor a lily (the genus Eucomis is a member of the asparagus family), the bold foliage and frilly blooms of the pineapple lily add a tropical flair to borders, decks, and patios. The bulbs of pineapple lilies take a few weeks to get going when the weather warms up, but the broad, strap-shape leaves look handsome while you wait, and some even have a burgundy tint. As the flower stalks form, the tiny, star-like blooms open in a cylindrical raceme from the bottom up, and finally develop a little crown of leafy bracts on top, like the feathers on a cap. These long-lasting blooms make a good cut flower, save for one feature: they have a distinct odor designed to attract pollinat...View all