Product Description
Eucomis 'African Night' PP31155 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Pineapple Lily
Want a tropical look that's hardy to zone 6? Look no further than 'African Night'. The name alludes to the rich, burgundy leaves that emerge in early summer. By the time the flowers spikes appear in late summer, the foliage will lighten in intensity. Rosy pink flowers are produced on dark burgundy stems with matching burgundy leaflets at the top of the flower spike. Like other late season bloomers such as Hibiscus or Perovskia, this will be one of the last to emerge in spring. This native of South Africa is called a Pineapple Lily for good reason-the inflorescence at the top of the flower scape looks like a tropical fruit.
Eucomis are a tropical looking perennial native of South Africa. They are nicknamed "Pineapple Lily" for their tall inflorescence and spiky tops that look like the tropical fruit. Excellent as a perennial thriller in containers or the landscape. These plants can be tender and winter protection is recommended when growing in colder zones.
Height: 2.5-3.0 Feet
Spread: 3.5-4.0 Feet
Hardiness Zones: 6,7,8,9
Flower Color: Pink shades
Foliage Color: Green shades, Near-black shades
Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) to Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)
Average Water Needs
Average to Fertile Soil Quality
Bloomtime: Late Summer to Early Fall
Attracts Butterflies
Seasonal Interest: Fall Color
Growth Rate: Medium
Container, Cut Flower, Easy To Grow, Attractive Foliage, Specimen, Focal Point
Eucomis 'African Night' is a unique and captivating bulb that brings a touch of the exotic to the garden. Here is a breakdown of what makes it special:
What Makes Eucomis 'African Night' Special
- Tropical Appearance: It has a distinctive, tropical look with its tall flower spikes that resemble pineapples, hence the common name "Pineapple Lily."
- Dark Foliage: The foliage emerges a deep burgundy color in early summer, adding a touch of drama to the garden. As the season progresses, the leaves lighten to a dark green with burgundy accents, providing a beautiful contrast with the flowers.
- Rosy Pink Flowers: In late summer, the plant produces tall, sturdy flower spikes adorned with rosy pink florets. Each spike is topped with a "topknot" of small, leafy bracts, adding to the unique appearance.
- Cold Hardy: While it has a tropical look, 'African Night' is surprisingly cold hardy, thriving in USDA Zones 6-9. This makes it a great choice for gardeners in colder regions who want to add a touch of the exotic to their gardens.
- Pollinator-Friendly: The flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, providing a valuable late-season food source.
Description and Details
- Common Name: African Night Pineapple Lily
- Botanical Name: Eucomis 'African Night'
- Mature Size: 32-36 inches tall, 32-36 inches wide
- Foliage: Deep burgundy emerging in early summer, maturing to dark green with burgundy accents
- Flowers: Rosy pink florets on tall spikes, blooming in late summer to early fall
- Growth Habit: Upright, clumping
- Hardiness Zones: 6-9
- Light: Full sun to part shade
- Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil
- Water: Water regularly, especially during dry periods
Landscaping Design Tips
- Specimen Plant: Its unique appearance and tall flower spikes make it an excellent specimen plant, where it can be the focal point of a garden bed.
- Back of the Border: It is also well-suited for the back of borders, where it can provide a backdrop for shorter plants.
- Tropical Gardens: It is a natural fit for tropical-themed gardens, adding to the exotic feel.
- Containers: It can also be grown in containers, adding a touch of drama to patios and balconies.
- Companion Plants: Consider pairing them with other perennials that enjoy similar growing conditions and offer contrasting colors and textures, such as:
- Cannas
- Caladiums
- Coleus
- Ornamental grasses
Planting and Care
- Planting:
- Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Plant in spring or fall.
- Plant the bulbs deep, about 6 inches below the soil surface.
- Space plants according to their mature size (about 3-4 feet apart).
- Water thoroughly after planting.
- Care:
- Water regularly, especially during dry periods.
- Fertilize lightly in spring if desired.
- Deadhead spent flowers to encourage more blooms.
- In colder climates, mulch the plant in winter for added protection.
- It is late to emerge in spring, so do not worry if it does not show signs of life until early summer.
Additional Notes
- 'African Night' is a relatively new Eucomis variety that is gaining popularity for its unique appearance and cold hardiness.
- It is a great choice for gardeners looking for a low-maintenance, deer-resistant bulb that adds a touch of the exotic to the garden.
- The flowers are long-lasting and make interesting additions to bouquets and arrangements.
Other Details
The most important part of the plant is its root system. Healthy roots are the foundation of a healthy, vibrant plant. The type of plug container used is based on the specific needs of the plants. Perennials offered as bare root traditionally perform better when planted as bare root.Planted in a specialized mix, potted plants have well established root systems. Top growth stage will vary depending on the current life cycle and time of year when shipped. In Winter and early Spring dormant plants may be shipped. Dormant plants may be planted right away, even before the last frost date.
Most bare root varieties are field grown for at least one season, though Hemerocallis and Hosta are grown for two seasons. The bulk of the soil is removed during the harvesting process and the tops of most varieties are trimmed back to the crown. They are graded, packed in shredded aspen or sphagnum moss and stored in freezers until ready to be shipped.
See our Container Sizes and Bare Root Perennials pages for more information.
Plant information and care is provided in the Overview section, Plant Genus Page and general information is provided in the Planting Care & Guides. Additional questions can be asked on each Plant page.
Plant Spacing: Using the maximum mature spread or width of a plant to guide spacing, ensures space to grow to full size. To fill an area sooner, plant them closer together. Just remember, future thinning or transplanting may be needed.
Water: Keep a close eye on newly planted perennials, especially throughout the first growing year. Most early plant loss is due to too much or too little water!
