Pineapple Lilies: A Guide to Winter Care
Introduction
Pineapple lilies (Eucomis comosa) are striking flowers that add an exotic touch to any garden. They’re native to warm climates like South Africa, but with proper care, they can thrive even in colder regions. This guide will provide you with everything you need to know about caring for pineapple lilies in cold climates, including how to protect them from frost, dig up and store their bulbs, and replant them in the spring.
Understanding Pineapple Lily Cold Tolerance
Pineapple lilies are not cold hardy, meaning they can’t withstand freezing temperatures. They’re native to warm climates and are adapted to temperatures above 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 degrees Celsius). If exposed to temperatures below this, their bulbs can become injured.
Winter Care for Pineapple Lilies
In areas with cold winters, it’s important to take special care of pineapple lilies to protect them from frost damage. Here are some tips:
Growing Pineapple Lilies in Containers
Growing pineapple lilies in containers makes it easier to protect them from the cold. You can keep them outside during the summer and bring them indoors for the winter. Choose a container with drainage holes and fill it with a well-draining potting mix.
Digging Up and Storing Pineapple Lily Bulbs
If you’re planting pineapple lilies in the ground, you’ll need to dig up their bulbs each fall before the first frost. Let the foliage die back naturally, then carefully dig up the bulbs. Remove any excess soil and store the bulbs in a cool, dry place with temperatures between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 to 10 degrees Celsius).
Replanting Pineapple Lily Bulbs
In the spring, when the last chance of frost has passed, you can replant your pineapple lily bulbs. Choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Plant the bulbs six inches (15 cm) deep and 12 inches (30 cm) apart. Water the bulbs deeply and keep the soil moist but not soggy.
Protecting Pineapple Lilies from Frost
If you live in a zone where temperatures can drop below 40 degrees Fahrenheit (4 degrees Celsius), it’s important to take extra precautions to protect your pineapple lilies from frost damage.
- Mulch: Spread a layer of mulch around your pineapple lilies to help insulate the soil and protect the bulbs from freezing.
- Cover: If temperatures are expected to drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit (0 degrees Celsius), cover your pineapple lilies with a blanket or tarp.
- Move indoors: If you’re growing pineapple lilies in containers, you can move them indoors to a warm, protected location until the danger of frost has passed.
Growing Pineapple Lilies in Cold Regions
With proper care, pineapple lilies can thrive even in cold regions. By following these tips, you can enjoy the beauty of these exotic flowers in your garden for years to come.
Additional Tips
- Choose cold-hardy varieties of pineapple lilies, such as ‘Sparkling Burgundy’ or ‘Oakhurst’.
- Plant pineapple lilies in a sunny location with well-drained soil.
- Water pineapple lilies regularly, especially during hot, dry weather.
- Fertilize pineapple lilies monthly with a balanced fertilizer.
- Divide pineapple lily clumps every three to four years to prevent overcrowding.
