Product Description
Eucomis 'Safari Adventure' PP31156 (25) Bare Root Plants
Common Name: Pineapple Lily
Get that tropical look right at home in your zone 6 garden! This takes you for an adventure all season long, beginning in early summer, when deep olive green, wide, strap-shaped leaves emerge. The foliage lightens in intensity when the flower scapes appear. In late summer, cream flowers age to deep rosy purple. Compared to 'African Night', 'Safari Adventure' has bicolor flowers (instead of solid rose) and lighter olive green leaves in early summer. 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, Multicolored
Foliage Color: Green 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
The Eucomis 'Safari Adventure', commonly known as the pineapple lily, is a captivating plant that brings a touch of the exotic to any garden. With its striking resemblance to a pineapple, this South African native is a true showstopper. While surprisingly easy to grow, it is important to note that this plant may require extra winter protection in zones 6 and 7. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to cultivate and care for this unique perennial.
The Eucomis 'Safari Adventure' is a bulbous perennial with a moderate growth rate. It forms a rosette of strappy, olive-green leaves that emerge with a wine-colored blush. In late summer, tall flower stalks emerge, bearing dense clusters of creamy white flowers that gradually mature to a deep rosy purple. This creates a stunning ombre effect, adding visual interest to the garden. The flower stalks are topped with a tuft of green leaves, further enhancing the pineapple resemblance. This unique color-changing feature sets 'Safari Adventure' apart from other Eucomis varieties.
This plant typically reaches a height of 30-36 inches and a width of 40-48 inches. It is hardy in USDA Zones 6-9. The foliage and flowers are aromatic, adding another dimension to its appeal. It is also tolerant of deer and rabbits.
Growing Conditions Eucomis 'Safari Adventure' is one of the last plants to emerge in spring, so do not be alarmed if it does not appear right away. This plant can be grown in the ground or in containers. If you live in a colder climate and choose to grow it in a container, you can store it in a frost-free area during the winter months.
- Sunlight: Full sun to part shade. In cooler climates, full sun is best for optimal growth and flowering. In hotter regions, some afternoon shade can be beneficial.
- Soil: Well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with sand or compost to improve drainage. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH is ideal.
- Watering: Water regularly during the growing season, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Once established, the plant is relatively drought-tolerant. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to bulb rot.
Care and Maintenance
- Planting When planting Eucomis 'Safari Adventure', ensure the crown or bulb is planted deep, about 6 inches below the soil line. This helps to support the tall flower stalks and prevent them from flopping over. Space plants about 4 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.
- Fertilizing In average soils, fertilization is not necessary. In poor soils, a light application of a slow-release fertilizer in spring is sufficient. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to weak growth.
- Pruning Pruning is minimal for Eucomis 'Safari Adventure'. Simply cut back the flower stalks after flowering is finished. Leaving the foliage standing can help protect the plant in winter. Cut back the foliage in spring.
- Dividing If the plant becomes overcrowded or loses vigor, you can divide it. Wait until the bulbs are dormant, then gently separate the offsets and replant them.
- Winter Care In colder climates (zones 6 and 7), provide extra winter protection by applying a thick layer of mulch or leaf litter around the base of the plant. If growing in containers, move the pot to a frost-free area for winter.
Pests and Diseases Eucomis 'Safari Adventure' is generally pest and disease resistant. However, potential pests include slugs, snails, and aphids. These can be controlled with physical barriers, traps, or insecticidal soap.
Potential diseases include bulb rot and water molds. These can be prevented by ensuring proper drainage and avoiding overwatering.
Uses Eucomis 'Safari Adventure' is a versatile plant with various uses in the garden:
- Accent plant: Its unique form and striking flowers make it an excellent focal point in the garden.
- Container plant: It thrives in containers, adding a touch of the exotic to patios and balconies.
- Cut flower: The long-lasting flowers are ideal for creating stunning arrangements.
- Wildlife garden: It attracts butterflies and other pollinators, enhancing biodiversity in your garden.
- Erosion control: Planting this hardy perennial can help prevent soil erosion on slopes or hilly areas in your garden.
- Firescaping: In regions prone to wildfires, this plant can be part of a firescaping strategy.
Eucomis 'Safari Adventure', with its unique pineapple-like appearance, is a captivating addition to any garden. This low-maintenance perennial thrives in well-drained soil and full sun to part shade, producing stunning, color-changing flowers that attract pollinators. Remember to plant the bulb deep and provide extra winter protection in colder climates. Whether used as an accent plant, in containers, or as part of a firescaping or erosion control strategy, Eucomis 'Safari Adventure' is sure to be a conversation starter and a source of enjoyment for years to come.
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!
