The Essential Guide To The Eucomis
Botanical Name: Eucomis
Common Name: Pineapple Flower, Pineapple Lily
General Knowledge: The Eucomis, commonly known as Pineapple Lily, originates from South Africa, displaying a distinctive flower spike that resembles a pineapple, hence its common name. This unique flower is popularly used in ornamental gardening and floral arrangements, adding an exotic touch with its rosette of leaves and prominent flower spike.
Colour Range: Primarily green with white or purple florets
Australian Seasonal Availability: Mainly available during the summer and autumn months.
Australian Wedding and Event Season Availability: Eucomis is popular for events and weddings held in the warmer months of the year, from summer to autumn, thanks to its unique and striking appearance.
Commercially Grown in Australia: Yes, it is commercially grown in Australia.
Imported into Australia: Eucomis can be imported.
Buying Tips: Purchase when the lower one-third of the florets on the spike have opened, ensuring that the stems are straight and unblemished.
Design Tips and Advice: Eucomis works well as both a line and a focal flower in arrangements. The thick stem ends require frequent recutting and changing of the water to maximise vase life. Remove the white part of the stem to aid water uptake. Its green colour mixes well with almost any shade of other flowers, making it a versatile choice.
Flower Maturity: Purchase when the lower one-third of the florets on the spike have opened.
Expected Vase Life: Typically, 10–14 days, but it can last up to 6 weeks when the little seed heads have formed up the stem.
Typical Stem Length: Up to 60 cm
Typical Bunch Size: Usually sold in bunches of 5 stems.
Floral Preservatives: Yes, use floral preservative with a bactericide to keep the water clean.
Ethylene Sensitivity: Eucomis is not sensitive to ethylene.
Temperature Requirements: Store at a cool 2–4 °C.
Avoiding Potential Problems: Support the stems during transport and storage to prevent bruising and damage due to their heavy heads. Do not hold for more than 5 days in cool storage. Ensure that the vase and cutting tools are clean to prevent bacterial growth.
Cooling and Cool Rooms: Store at 2–4 °C, but do not hold for more than 5 days in cool storage.
Hydration and Vase Solutions: Keep the stems in fresh water, recutting frequently and changing the water regularly to maximise vase life.
Care of Ethylene Sensitive Products: This is not applicable for Eucomis as it is not sensitive to ethylene.