Do I need to dig up the bulbs in winter?

In colder climates, it is best to lift the bulbs and store them in a dry, frost free place.

How deep should I plant the bulbs?

Plant them about 10 to 15 centimeters deep with the neck of the bulb just below the soil surface.

Plant guide

Pineapple lily.

Eucomis comosa

Pronounced yoo-KOH-miss koh-MOH-suh

Also known as Crown Pineapple Lily

Crown Pineapple Lily — Photo by Michael J. Papay (CC BY) via iNaturalist

The pineapple lily is a striking bulbous plant that produces a unique, pineapple shaped flower spike. It adds a wonderful architectural touch to any garden or container. You will love how its exotic blooms stand out during the summer months.

Another photo of Pineapple lily — Photo by Morten Ross (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Moderate
Plant type: Bulbous perennial
Light: Full sun to partial shade
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 5 to 10 days
Mature size: 24 inches
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 7 to 10
Bloom time: Mid to late summer

Care

Plant your bulbs in well draining soil and keep them consistently moist while they are actively growing. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signals that the bulb is entering its dormant phase. Ensure the bulbs are protected from freezing temperatures during winter.

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy during the active growing season.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly while the plant is in active growth.
Pruning: Remove spent flower stalks and dead foliage once the plant goes dormant in autumn.
Repotting: Repot only when the bulbs become too crowded or you need to refresh the soil.
Soil: Well draining, fertile potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: -7 to 35°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 5 to 10 years
Fragrance: Light
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes
Stunted growth or lack of flowering
Soil becoming compacted and slow to drain

Safety

People: The bulbs contain compounds that can cause irritation if handled or eaten.
Pets: This plant is generally considered non toxic to cats and dogs.
Children: Keep bulbs out of reach of children as they can be mistaken for onions or other food items.
Contact allergens: Handling the bulbs may cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: There are no significant reports of respiratory allergies associated with this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not considered edible and may cause stomach upset if ingested.

How to identify it

Pineapple shaped flower clusters
Rosette of strap shaped leaves
Spotted purple leaf bases
Star shaped individual florets

Height: 0.45 to 0.6m
Spread: 0.3 to 0.45m
Leaves: green, deciduous
Flowers: green, purple, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: green, brown, Autumn

Problems to watch for

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: division, seed, leaf cuttings
When to plant: Spring
Overwintering: In mild areas, mulch heavily to protect from frost. In colder regions, dig up the bulbs after the foliage yellows, clean them, and store in a cool, dry, frost free location until spring.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is at least 30 centimeters wide.

Division

1. Carefully lift the clump of bulbs in early spring.
2. Gently separate the offsets from the main bulb.
3. Replant the offsets in well draining soil at the same depth as the parent.

Pair with plants that have similar water needs to avoid overwatering the bulbs during their dormant phase.

Grows well with

Agapanthus · They share similar light and water requirements and provide a nice textural contrast.
Daylily · These perennials fill in the space well and bloom during the same season.

Similar species

Autumn Pineapple Lily · It is a close relative with a similar growth habit but blooms slightly later.

Science

Family: Asparagaceae
Genus: Eucomis
Order: Asparagales
Class: Liliopsida
Native range: South Africa
Conservation: This species is not currently threatened in its native range.

It grows in grasslands and rocky slopes where it benefits from seasonal rainfall and well drained soil.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: ornamental container plant, border accent, cut flower

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 7/9
Temperature: 6/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Do I need to dig up the bulbs in winter?: In colder climates, it is best to lift the bulbs and store them in a dry, frost free place.
How deep should I plant the bulbs?: Plant them about 10 to 15 centimeters deep with the neck of the bulb just below the soil surface.

Where the name comes from

The name Eucomis is derived from the Greek words eu, meaning good or beautiful, and kome, meaning hair, referring to the tuft of leaves at the top of the flower spike.

Good to know

The name Eucomis comes from Greek words meaning beautiful hair.
It is native to South Africa.
The flowers are long lasting and provide interest for several weeks.
It thrives in sunny spots with well draining soil.

Keep your pineapple lily growing

This page is a general guide. Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked.

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.