Arnold asked, Question is how deep should the [Eucomis] bulbs be planted and could shallow >planting contribute to the weak foliage? I try not to use to much >nitrogen in the fertilizer and generally use a low "N" compared to the >"P" and "K". > >Should the bulb be planted deeper? The growth habit of eucomis makes it >a poor candidate for use of with traditional plant supports I live in an area with winter temperatures similar to Arnold's, and I've grown several species of Eucomis, including E. pole-evansii, in the open garden for years. They are summer-growing, so they survive the winters well while dormant. I plant them quite deep (with the top of the bulb 4-6 inches below the surface, and then cover them with a deep layer of bark mulch. They also like plenty of moisture in summer. They don't flop over, even the very large purple-leafed one (I don't know what species it is), which does flop in pots. Jane McGary Northwestern Oregon