Ananas  comosus  'Variegatus' (Variegated Pineapple, Ivory Pineapple)


Botanical Information

FamilyBromeliaceae
GenusAnanas 
Speciescomosus 
Cultivar'Variegatus'
SynonymsAnanas striatifolius
CategoryTropicals
TypeShrub (evergreen)
OriginTropical America. Ananas comosus, commonly called pineapple was originally discovered growing in tropical areas of South America (principally Brazil).

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b to 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)1.7 to above 4.4
Temperature (°F)34 to above 40
Height0.60 to 1.0 m
Spread0.6 - 1.2 m
GrowthSlow
Flowering PeriodJune, July, August

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionThe Pineapple is a shallow rooted tropical fruit that is grown outdoors in frost free areas where temperatures typically range from 18.3 to 35 °C.
ID CharacteristicIt is grown for ornamental purposes. Its fruit is not particularly tasty, but its foliage is exceptional.
LandscapeContainer plants, specimen or in borders.
PropagationPropagated by crowns (leafy clumps atop mature fruits), slips (on peduncles below the fruit), suckers (along the stem) or to a lesser degree by old stems.
CultivationGrow in acidic, loose, sandy, organically rich, well-drained soils.
PestsWilt and root rot, nematodes, scale, thrips and mealybugs.
Notable SpecimensHarry P. Leu Gardens, Orlando, Florida, United States of America.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are grey to green, strap-shaped, evergreen, variegated lengthwise on the margins with yellowish white stripes tinged at the edges with red.
Flower DescriptionProduces cone-like clusters of purple flowers, with reddish-yellow bracts.
Fruit DescriptionBright red, edible pineapples up to 30 cm long.

Photographs