Pineapple lily , also known as Eucomis plants , are generally considered to be dusty hardy in USDA Zone 7 and above . This entail that they can hold up winter temperatures that typically do not set down below 0 ° F ( -18 ° C ) . However , with proper care and shelter , pineapple lilies can also survive in Zone 6 , where temperatures can dunk below freezing .
In Zone 6 , where winters can be harsh , you should dig up in - ground or containerized pineapple lily medulla in the declivity before the first frost . This will help prevent the bulbs from being damaged or kill by the freeze temperatures . Before dig up the electric light , it is important to thin out back the foliage , leave only a few inches above the ground .
Once the bulbs are labor up , it is important to deal them with care to fend off any terms . Gently remove excess soil from the bulb and allow them to air dry for a few days . This will help prevent moulder during storage .
After the bulbs have dried , they can be stored in a coolheaded , teetotal spot for the wintertime . It is crucial to ensure the storage area is free from extreme temperature fluctuations and wet . Some gardeners opt to store the bulb in a composition bag or container filled with dry peat moss or vermiculite to provide insulation and preclude them from dry out out .
In Zone 6 , where the dry land freeze , it is of import to protect the root zone of pineapple lilies by extend it with a thick level of mulch . This will help isolate the soil and foreclose it from freeze , which can damage the bulb . A layer of mulch around 4 - 6 inches wooden-headed is usually sufficient . Mulch materials such as stubble , pine needle , or rip up leaves can be used for this purpose .
During the winter months , it is important to supervise the mulch layer and ensure that it remains intact . If it gets pack together or thins out , it is advisable to lend more mulch to keep decent protection for the bulb .
In the springiness , as temperatures start to warm up , it is metre to uncover the medulla oblongata and prepare them for engraft . cautiously off the mulch and inspect the bulbs for any signs of damage or disease . If any bulbs appear to be rotting or damaged , it is dear to discard them and focalize on the intelligent ones .
Before planting the medulla oblongata , it is commend to soak them in body of water for a few hours to rehydrate them . This will help stimulate maturation and ensure successful establishment in the garden .
When take a planting emplacement , opt a spot that receive full sunlight or partial shade . pineapple plant lilies prefer well - enfeeble dirt , so it is authoritative to amend heavy clay soils with organic subject to improve drainage .
Dig a pickle that is deep enough to accommodate the bulb , usually around 6 - 8 inches abstruse . Place the bulb in the hole with the pointed close facing upwardly and cover it with grease , leaving the top of the bulb slightly scupper .
After planting , water the bulbs exhaustively to ensconce the soil and provide moisture for the ancestor . Pineapple lilies require even watering during the growing time of year , specially during ironical periods . However , it is important to fend off overwatering , as this can lead to root rot .
In terms of sustentation , pineapple plant lilies are comparatively miserable - maintenance plants . They do not command much fertilisation and generally gain from a balanced slow - spill fertilizer applied in other spring . Deadheading spent flowers can aid promote continuous bloom throughout the summer .
While pineapple lilies are consider cold hardy in Zone 7 and above , they can also hold up in Zone 6 with proper care and protection . Digging up the lightbulb before the first frost , storing them in a coolheaded , juiceless spot , and cover the root word geographical zone with mulch can help ensure their survival . By following these guidelines , you may enjoy the beautiful peak of pineapple lilies class after class , even in colder climates .
Caroline Bates