A beautiful and exotic giant, found originally around a century ago, growing wild along the edges of streams in South Africa, Eucomis pole-evansii is named after the then director of the country’s Botanical Survey. During spring and summer, this gorgeous plant will produce a stem up to 200cm tall. This is topped by a flower spike of loosely-packed, creamy yellow star-shaped flowers, at the crest of which is a cluster of leafy bracts—which looks somewhat like a pineapple, hence its common name, pineapple lily. The glossy mid-green leaves of Eucomis pole-evansii are strap-shaped, with a slightly wavy edge, and up to 100cm  long. The plant looks its absolute best in late summer and early autumn. 

Some gardeners prefer to grow Eucomis pole-evansii in a pot, as the leaves look particularly elegant, draping down the sides. If grown this way, protect the pot from freezing in winter. Remember, however, Eucomis pallidiflora subsp. pole-evansii is also a superior plant for a bed or border. Ideally, choose a place that is well-drained and in full sun.