Latin name: Fasicularia bicolor
Description: Amazingly hardy bromeliad from Chile and much hardier than originally thought. Fasicularia bicolor has narrow, stiff, arching, and spiny-edged, glucose leaves up to 50cm long. The innermost leaves become bright red when it comes into flower in late summer. Mature rosettes bear inflorescences with tight clusters of pale powder blue flowers, surrounded by silvery bracts. Fasicularia bicolor subsp. Canaliculata has darker more serrated leaves with a brilliant red base when flowering. These are fabulous plants for a Mediterranean style garden.
Hardiness: Hardy to about -7C with leaf burn
Height: Forms mounds up to 60cm
Position: Full sun to light shade
Soil: poor to medium fertile soil
Water: Drought tolerant once established
Usage: Best grown next to a pathway so you can see closely the vibrant red leaf bases and attractive blue flowers from late summer to early autumn
Fri, Mar 30, 2012
Gardening with Mediterranean Plants