Lilium regale var. album

Lilium regale var. album

Ismene x festalis

Ismene x festalis

Eucomis vandermerwei 'Octopus'

Pineapple Lily
Size
ex 10cm pots
Availability: Sold Out
£9.99
Quick Overview
  • Attractively spotted foliage
  • Dark wine-red flowers
  • Diminutive habit
  • Ideal for container cultivation
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A choice plant, Eucomis vandermerwei 'Octopus' is a selected form of the the type species which is endemic to western Mpumalanga in South Africa where it occurs at elevations of 2200–2500 m. It is rather rare in the wild and occurs in only a few known populations. We grow both the type species and this cultivar and there is not a huge amount of significant difference. The leaves of 'Octopus' are perhaps more densely spotted and perhaps more slender but there is a lot of variability. The flowers are deep maroon with contrasting white stamens and ovaries. It is one of the Eucomis species that emits complex sulphur compounds to attract pollinating flies so there is a slight foetid aroma during flowering but this is relatively insignificant and certainly not as pronounced as Eucomis bicolor.

It is a dwarf species and best suited to growing in a container where the cryptic colouration on its foliage can be best displayed without being overun by other plants. In the wild - at the high altitude where it grows - it regularly experiences sub-zero temperatures but any prolonged exposure to more than -5C should be considered its limit. This is another reason why container culture is best for this plant and the bulbs can be lifted and stored dry until January. It prefers a sandy but acid soil with good drainage and plenty of feeding during the growing season.


Additional Information

Order Asparagales
Family Asparagaceae
Sub-Family Scilloideae
Synonyms Eucomis vandermerwei, Eucomis vandermerwei 'Octopusoides'
Geographical Origin South Africa: Mpumalanga, at elevations of 2200-2500m
Cultivation Sunny aspect. Sandy yet acid soil. Feed well with a potassium based fertiliser in the summer. Keep dry in winter: either in their pots or lifted
Eventual Height 20cm
Eventual Spread 20-30cm
Hardiness Hardy to -5C. Can be lifted and stored dry over winter. If in a larger container with a soil that doesn't need replenishing they can be left to overwinter in a cool frost-free garage or glasshouse. Only start watering in spring when growth is observed
Eucomis vandermerwei 'Octopus'
Pineapple Lily
Size
ex 10cm pots
Availability: Sold Out
£9.99
You could receive 20 Palm Points for writing a review for this product.
Add to My Wishlist Add to Compare Email to a Friend
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