Garden Gold: Pineapple

Last year at an industry trade show, I came across a Variegated Pineapple plant. My relentless begging paid off; the buyer purchased some for the nursery to sell.

The annual trade show in Kansas City has 100's of booths full of plants. The growers and wholesalers tout the merits of their newest introductions. In January at the show, there were lots of new plants I fell in love with. But, there was only one caused me to drive the buyer nuts. Variegated Pineapple, Ananas comosus 'Variegatus', doesn't really fit our lineup of hardy plants for the Kansas City area. However, this tropical was too good to pass up. Hardy for zones 10-11, Variegated Pineapple will not overwinter outside in the Midwest's winters. It does brighten up our summers with the green stripe down the center of the foliage and light golden and bright rose colored edges. Variegated Pineapple can be planted in the ground or in containers. In a tropical climate, this slow growing pineapple will produce fruit on the top of the plant. Variegated Pinepple benefits from strong light, regular feeding and rich moist soil. The suckers that grow at the base can be potted up to propagate more plants.

Currently, I have one planted in a container too close to the front walkway. It will probably be moved to a safer location away from the pathway of family and friends. I do worry about someone brushing up against the spiny edges. But not so much that I won't figure out how to overwinter it and use it next year in a prominent place - perhaps in a large pedestal container where it will be safely away from unsuspecting shins.

Click Planting Gold in the Garden to read about other plants that brighten a garden without flowers.