Octopus Pineapple Lily
Eucomis vandermerwei 'Octopus'
Not currently listed at our partner nurseries.
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
8 inches
Width
12 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
7, 8, 9
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
South Africa
Toxicity
All parts may cause mild stomach upset if ingested.
The Story
Plant Bio
A dwarf, bulbous perennial native to South Africa, Eucomis vandermerwei is prized for its distinctive rosette of wavy-edged, purple-spotted leaves and a pineapple-like spike of summer flowers. The 'Octopus' cultivar is distinguished by its extremely narrow and highly undulating, purple-spotted leaves that writhe outwards from the base, strongly resembling the tentacles of an octopus. The flower spike bears small, dark purple flowers.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bulbs 4 inches deep in well-draining soil.
- Water regularly during active growth, avoid overwatering.
- Place in full sun for best flowering results.
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer during growing season.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in early spring.
Pro Tip
Plant bulbs in well-drained soil and ensure full sun exposure for optimal growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water moderately during summer 🌱
- Apply mulch to conserve moisture ❌
- Fertilize monthly during active growth
- Provide full sun exposure
Don't
- Overwater in winter ❌
- Plant too deep
- Neglect mulching
- Allow soil to stay soggy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Octopus Pineapple Lily questions
What zones can Octopus Pineapple Lily grow in?
Octopus Pineapple Lily is hardy in USDA Zones 7–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Octopus Pineapple Lily deer resistant?
Yes — Octopus Pineapple Lily is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Octopus Pineapple Lily bloom?
Octopus Pineapple Lily typically blooms in late summer through late fall. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Octopus Pineapple Lily need full sun?
Octopus Pineapple Lily does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is Octopus Pineapple Lily drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Octopus Pineapple Lily handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Eucomis to compare
Sparkling Burgundy Pineapple Lily
Eucomis comosa 'Sparkling Burgundy'
Pineapple Lily
Eucomis comosa
African Night Pineapple Lily
Eucomis autumnalis 'African Night'
Pineapple Lily
Eucomis amaryllidifolia
Dwarf Pineapple Lily
Eucomis humilis
Giant Pineapple Lily
Eucomis pallidiflora 'pole-evansii'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Collections featuring this plant
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Octopus Pineapple Lily with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
