Eucomis vandermerwei 'Octopus'

A choice plant, Eucomis vandermerwei 'Octopus' is a selected form of the the type species which is endemic to western Mpumalanga in South Africa where it occurs at elevations of 2200–2500 m. It is rather rare in the wild and occurs in only a few known populations. We grow both the type species and this cultivar and there is not a huge amount of significant difference. The leaves of 'Octopus' are perhaps more densely spotted and perhaps more slender but there is a lot of variability. The flowers are deep maroon with contrasting white stamens and ovaries. It is one of the Eucomis species that emits complex sulphur compounds to attract pollinating flies so there is a slight foetid aroma during flowering but this is relatively insignificant and certainly not as pronounced as Eucomis bicolor.

It is a dwarf species and best suited to growing in a container where the cryptic colouration on its foliage can be best displayed without being overun by other plants. In the wild - at the high altitude where it grows - it regularly experiences sub-zero temperatures but any prolonged exposure to more than -5C should be considered its limit. This is another reason why container culture is best for this plant and the bulbs can be lifted and stored dry until January. It prefers a sandy but acid soil with good drainage and plenty of feeding during the growing season.