Fascicularia bicolor
crimson bromeliad
A rosette-forming, terrestrial bromeliad with slender, spiny-toothed, rigid, mid to dark-green, evergreen leaves up to 50cm long. In summer each mature rosette produces a dense central cluster of pale sky-blue flowers surrounded by ivory-white bracts. At this time, the innermost leaves of the rosette turn scarlet red
Synonyms
Rhodostachys bicolorFascicularia kirchhoffiana
see moreFascicularia pitcairniifolia misapplied
Fascicularia andina
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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 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
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to aphids
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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