Vriesea splendens

RHS Plant Profile
flaming sword
flaming sword RHS
Award of Garden Merit
Conservatory Greenhouse

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

Position

Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam

Max Height

0.5-1 metres

Max Spread

0.1-0.5 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.1-0.5 metres
Max Height
0.5-1 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid

Position

Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1A

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

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