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Conservatory Greenhouse

Vriesea splendens

flaming sword

an evergreen perennial forming a rosette of strap-shaped grey-green leaves to 60cm long, heavily cross-banded with dark green or reddish-brown, with erect spikes of scarlet bracts with tubular yellow flowers

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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metres
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0.1–0.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Brown Green Grey Silver
Summer Red Yellow Brown Green Grey Silver
Autumn Brown Green Grey Silver
Winter Brown Green Grey Silver
Position
  • Partial shade
Aspect

North–facing or East–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A
Botanical details
Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Vriesea are evergreen epiphytic perennials forming rosettes of strap-shaped, often attractively marbled leaves, with erect spikes of flowers with showy bracts in summer or autumn

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Guyana

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow under glass, ideally attached to bark or branches. Alternatively, grow in pots of standard bromeliad potting compost in moderate light. In growth mist daily and apply quarter strength foliar feed every 4-5 weeks. Keep just moist in winter. See Bromeliad cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed, or remove offsets in spring

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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