Eucomis bicolor (Pineapple Lily)

Eucomis bicolor is a tropical South African bulb belonging to the family Asparagaceae. It can be grown in colder climates if the bulb is overwintered in cool non-freezing conditions during its dormancy. If the bulb is stored too warm it will start to sprout too early under low light and grow elongated and unattractive. I got mine a few years ago on eBay as a dormant bulb the size of a chestnut. Now there are several bulbs in the pot each about the size of an Amaryllis bulb. The flowers are long lasting (a few months), but the smell is a bit musty. It takes full sun when growing. Bring it in before first frost in sub- freezing zones, the foliage and bloom should be mostly withered by then. It can be cut back, but I prefer to let it dry off naturally so the bulb can extract as much nutrients back as possible.