Eucomis (pineapple flower)

This South African native prefers a warm and sunny location but will tolerate light shade. The bulbs can be planted directly into the garden (4-8cm deep) when the weather turns warm in spring. They also make great and amazingly easy pot plants. Grown this way, you can display them prominently when they are in their glory. Water sparingly until growth begins, then freely until plants stop flowering.

Winter hardy only in frost free climates. In Holland, bulbs planted in the border usually survive winter outdoors with a heavy mulch of dry leaves or peat. Further north, lift bulbs to be stored in a frost free location over winter or grow them in pots that can be taken inside to rest almost dry during the cool months.