Eucomis zambesiaca

Glistening in bright sunlight these produce cylinders of white flowers with a bright green top knot. These are the earliest Eucomis into flower and then stay either in flower or with decorative seed head for months. If you delay planting them till mid-May they flower later and then will last much longer as they will be flowering in the cooling months after the summer heat. They often are, but really should not be, called E. autumnalis, which is a different species. Hens egg sized bulbs.

Planting Instructions

They appear above the ground in May and go dormant with the autumn frosts so when planted deeply can be regarded as being hardy in most of the UK. They like moisture retentive soils in sunny conditions and the depth to which to plant them will come on a label on the bulb, these would probably be planted about 5" (13cm) apart, closer in a pot. The smaller varieties can be successfully potted and grown on the patio.

Plant Details

Flowers   August/September
Height     12" (30cm)
Hardy