Eucomis 2011

[Gunilla]

Yesterday I visited Gothenburg Botanical Garden and found one small pot of Eucomis schijffii in the sales area. I couldn't believe my luck.  Isn't it cute? Just look at those lovely leaf margins.

Eucomis schijffii

[bulborum]

Very nice one Gunilla

Now you have to wait (a few years)
to see how it flowers
I hope you post a picture then

Roland

[PeterT]

Very lucky Gunilla, i hope you get flowers and lots of seeds

[Ezeiza]

Were they growing it in a greenhouse or outdoors?

[Gunilla]

Yes, I hope for flowers and seed some time in the future .
Alberto, I don't know where they grow it. This little one for sale was the only Eucomis I saw.

[Ezeiza]

Thank you. Some species are quite hardy, actually requiring cool conditions the year round.

[Lesley Cox]

Brian E will be green with envy.

[Kirsten]

Here are some pictures of Eucomis schijffii from last year. They don't flower until mid July. I grow them in a greenhouse. It might well be hardy, it grows on the slopes above the Sani Pass.

[Tim Ingram]

Here is a picture of Eucomis schijffii just coming through in my sand bed this spring. This was grown from seed from Jim and Jenny Archibald and has been outside for the last 3 years, the first winter with no overhead cover, so I would recommend anyone to grow it outdoors. The plants have set seed well and I raised a few from leaf cuttings, though it is difficult to obtain the material you can from other species. E. vandermeyii in the same bed has failed to appear (perhaps not unsurprisingly!). The smaller species look wonderful on a rockery, in particular E. zambesiaca which I remember at Glen Chantry, Wol and Sue Staines garden.

[Ezeiza]

Thank you. Such species dislike heat and in my mild climate must be grown with afternoon shade. E. vandermerwei obviously likes it hot and increases well.

[fleurbleue]

A very nice plant as well for leaves or for flowers 

[Ezeiza]

Any information concerning humilis and montana hardiness?

[Gunilla]

Wonderful flower spikes, Kirsten. Tim, interesting to know that you grow it outside.  I wouldn't dare to leave any of my Eucomis outside during winter.  We often have long rainy periods alternating with cold spells and very seldom snow cover for protection.

[Lesley Cox]

"Pineapple Lily" is a VERY apt name.

[ArnoldT]

Kirsten:

In July does your greenhouse get hot?