Fascicularia bicolor subsp. bicolor
two-coloured crimson bromeliad
A terrestrial bromeliad that produces shaggy mounds of rosettes made up of tapering, slender, toothed leaves. At the centre of the clumps, leaves take on a strong red colouring in summer and in mature rosettes, produce heads of sky-blue flowers. Clumps grow to around 50cm in height
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Fascicularia is a small genus of, usually terrestrial, perennial bromeliads. Toothed, linear leaves are arranged in rosettes; dense flowerheads are embedded in the centre of these rosettes
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- C & SC Chile
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow 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
Propagation
Propagate by offsets or by division in spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Sub-tropical
- Mediterranean climate plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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