About
Fascicularia bicolor, the crimson bromeliad, is a rosette-forming, terrestrial bromeliad from Chile producing spiny-toothed, rigid, mid-green, evergreen leaves to 50 cm long. In summer, each mature rosette produces a dense central cluster of pale sky-blue flowers surrounded by ivory-white bracts, and at flowering time the innermost leaves turn a spectacular scarlet-red. Hardy in sheltered mild gardens, particularly in coastal areas.
About the genus
Fascicularia are terrestrial bromeliads native to Chile, forming rosettes of toothed, linear, evergreen leaves. At flowering time, the central leaves turn red and dense clusters of blue flowers appear in the rosette centre. Among the hardiest of all bromeliads for cool temperate gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial
HabitTufted
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants
Native toC Chile
Care notes
CultivationGrow outdoors in terrestrial bromeliad compost or sharply-draining, gritty, humus-rich soil, in a sheltered frost-free location. Protect from winter wet. Under glass grow in terrestrial bromeliad compost, full light and with good ventilation. During active growth water moderately and apply a high nitrogen-based fertiliser monthly. Water more sparingly during the winter
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by offsets
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to aphids
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free