Ananas bracteatus
red pineapple
A terrestrial bromeliad with a rosette of brownish-green, lance-shaped, evergreen leaves up to 50cm long, with upward-pointing spines. In summer produces a tight cluster of yellowish-red flowers, with red bracts, on a stout, upright stem followed by green-brown pineapples up to 15cm long which are edible but not very fleshy. Image shows Ananas bracteatus 'Tricolor'
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
AcidColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Brown Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red | Brown Green | ||
| Autumn | Brown Green | Brown | ||
| Winter | Brown Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Genus
Ananas are evergreen, terrestrial bromeliads with basal rosettes of spiny-margined, lance-shaped leaves. In summer, they produce showy flowers in dense, terminal, cone-like clusters followed by fleshy, edible fruit
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil to Argentina
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in terrestrial bromeliad compost in full light, low to moderately humidity and no draughts. Water freely when growing and flowering, reduce slightly and add a balanced liquid feed weekly when in fruit, keep barely moist at other times.
Propagation
Root basal offsets in early summer, or sever the leafy rosette at the top of the fruit, allow it a day or two to callus then root it in a barely moist mix of peat or peat substitute and sand in indirect light at 21C
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
Get involved
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