Eucomis
Eucomis commonly called pineapple lilies where unheard of 10 years ago. Eucomis produce nice size bulbs and a rosette of foliage 1 to 3 feet tall. The foliage can be green to dark maroon as well as some new varieties with lime green leaves. The flower spikes are usually 2 to 3 feet tall with rolls of flowers at the upper portion of the stem and usually a rosette of foliage at the top of each flowers spike. Which looks like a pineapple. Native to Africa they commonly grow in full sun in fields or rocky out crops. I first saw them listed in an old botany book as being tropical and growing only in zone 9. We later found that they are very hardy and survive zone 6 with minimal amount of protection. Eucomis are great in the garden as a low growing tropical looking plant as well as the amazing looking flower later in the summer.
