Eucomis pallidiflora subsp Pole-evansii

This bulb produces a giant of a plant with a basal rosette of wavy-margined, broad strappy leaves, that could grow up to a metre in length. Then in high to late summer a flower stalk emerges from the centre of these leaves, developing a stout stem often speckled with brown. The flower head is broad but quite loose due to each of the little star shaped pale  creamy-green flowers sitting on the end of a little stalk. The whole magnificent spike is topped with an explosion of green bracts resembling a pineapple top – hence the common name. Bees love the flowers, which are then followed by equally showy and long lasting seed pots.

Plant the bulb 15cm deep in very gritty, moist-but-well-drained soil in full sun in a sheltered spot.  If needed, be a little patient as they can sometimes take a year to establish, even to the extent of remaining totally dormant for the first year! The flower stem can reach 1.5m in height, so this deep planting will not only help to provide support but will also keep the bulbs protected from frost. These Eucomis are hardy over much of the UK, but where left in the ground will benefit from a heavy winter mulch once the foliage has died back.

They can be grown successfully in deep pots but must be kept frost free over the winter. Alternatively, the bulbs could be lifted, stored over the winter and started into growth before planting out again in late spring.

Regrettably, as so often happens now, this beautiful and dramatic plant is under threat in its native lands due to urban expansion and habitat destruction, so it is for those of us who are gardeners to ensure its survival.