Ochagavia litoralis
A terrestrial bromeliad to 50cm tall, forming a rosette of narrow, grey-green leaves with sharp, curved teeth at the margins. In late summer mature plants may produce a spherical flowerhead from the centre centre of the rosette, composed of numerous densely packed pink flowers with orange anthers
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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Pink | Green Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Green Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Green Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Ochagavia are evergreen, terrestrial bromeliads with almost stemless, spreading rosettes of stiff, spiny-toothed leaves. The spherical inflorescence at the centre of the rosette is composed of tubular, red or yellow, flowers followed by green berries
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Chile
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in terrestrial bromeliad compost in full light with low humidity. In growth water moderately (avoiding the crown) and apply a half-strength, low-nitrogen fertiliser monthly. Outdoors in mild districts grow in sharply drained soil in full sun with protection from winter wet
Propagation
Propagate by sowing seed as soon as ripe, or by separating offsets in spring and summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Coastal
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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