Plant Profile: Eucomis bicolor

This summer bulb variety, cultivated by humans and belonging to the Asparagaceae family (which includes asparagus), is indigenous to South Africa. It serves as a visually appealing summer-blooming plant that draws in pollinators like bees and butterflies. Before it flowers, a tall stalk adorned with green bracts and topped with short leaves resembles a pineapple, which is why it has earned one of its common names. The flowers bloom sequentially from the bottom to the top of the bracts over a period of six to eight weeks, starting in July. After the blooms fade, purplish seeds develop and remain on the stalk, enhancing the plant's ornamental appeal. The color of the flowers can vary depending on the specific cultivar.

This plant thrives in organically rich soil that is well-watered yet well-drained. During the flowering phase, it’s important to keep the soil moist but not overly saturated. It can flourish in full sunlight or partial shade. This bulb is known for its longevity. In cooler climates, it’s advisable to plant the bulbs in a sheltered spot, burying them 4 to 5 inches deep, and covering them with a thick layer of mulch in the fall. These bulbs also adapt well to container gardening, with the tops positioned at the soil surface, and should similarly be mulched in autumn. In Zone 6, it may be necessary to relocate containers and any in-ground bulbs to a protected area for winter storage.

This plant not only produces stunning fresh-cut flowers but also fits beautifully in perennial beds, containers, pathways, courtyards, and woodland gardens.