Eucomis autumnalis. Picture courtesy www.newplant.co.za The genus Eucomis belongs to the hyacinth (Hyacinthaceae) family and about 11 species occur in South Africa; occurring mainly in the summer rainfall regions, where they are commonly found growing in moist open grasslands, between rocks on mountain slopes, on forest margins, along river banks, and in marshy areas. Breeders from around the world have introduced wonderful new hybrids for the garden, bred for their uniqueness and garden worthiness.

Eucomis autumnalis is divided into three subspecies: Eucomis autumnalis subsp. autumnalis from the Eastern Cape, Northern Province, Zimbabwe and Malawi; Eucomis autumnalis subsp. clavata, which occurs in KwaZulu-Natal, Lesotho, eastern Free State, Mpumalanga, Gauteng, Northern Province, North West Province and Botswana; and Eucomis autumnalis subsp. amaryllidifolia, which grows wild in the western Free State and Eastern Cape.

Eucomis autumnalis is a deciduous summer growing bulb which produces long, fleshy, wavy-edged leaves; and flowers consisting of a dense cylindrical raceme on top of a stout stalk, with masses of individual starry yellowish-green flowers, with a tuft of leaf-like bracts at the tip, which gives the flower the look of a pineapple. The flower stalks can reach 50 to 60cm tall and appear in mid to late summer (December to January); turning green in autumn. The flowers are followed by capsules containing the shiny black seeds.
 
Eucomis. Picture courtesy www.newplant.co.zaThis unusual and very attractive garden plant looks best if planted in groups and is a wonderful addition to pebble and rock gardens, and is well suited to pockets in the rockery. It is a striking addition to the perennial border, grows easily in large pots, and the flowers last long in a vase.

Once established in the garden the pineapple flower is easy-to-grow; thriving in full sun or semi-shade; excessive shade will reduce flowering. Bulbs should be planted with their tops just below ground level, and about 20cm apart. They do best in fertile well-drained soils with lots of organic matter. Eucomis will tolerate winter irrigation in warmer climates; but in very cold regions keep the soil as dry as possible in winter. They are hardy to -7°C if they are planted in a sheltered part of the garden and the soil is thickly mulched in autumn. Water the plants well during their growing season in spring and summer. Pineapple flowers don’t require any pruning, just remove dead leaves and cut away the old flower heads once they become untidy.