Autumn Pineapple Lily

This distinctive tuberous perennial is beloved by UK gardeners for its exotic, architectural appearance. Eucomis autumnalis produces a basal rosette of wavy-edged, strap-shaped green leaves. In late summer, it sends up a stout, cylindrical flower spike topped with a tuft of leafy bracts, closely resembling a pineapple. The spike is densely packed with dozens of small, star-shaped, greenish-white flowers. Unlike some of its more tender relatives, E. autumnalis is relatively hardy (H4) and can often remain in the ground year-round in many parts of the UK if given a very well-drained spot and a thick dry mulch in winter. It reaches about 40-50cm in height. It is particularly effective when planted in drifts in a gravel garden or as a focal point in a large terracotta pot. It prefers a south-facing position where the soil can warm up early in the spring.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Well-drained, sandy or gritty soil.

Hardiness: H4 — down to −10°C.

Flowering: Aug, Sep.