Guzmania lingulata var. minor
lesser scarlet star
An evergreen, epiphytic bromeliad to 30cm high, with funnel-shaped rosettes of long, smooth, strappy green leaves, held by dark green sheaths beneath. Produces upright flower stems of small creamy white flowers surrounded by large, bright red bracts in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1–2 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Red Cream | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1ABotanical details
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Guzmania are stemless evergreen perennials forming a rosette of leathery strap-shaped leaves, with spikes of tubular white or yellow flowers and showy bracts, in summer
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in a peat-free, loam-free, free-draining potting mix, such as a mix of fine bark, perlite and coir fibre, or grow epiphytically on artificial tree branches. Position in bright, filtered light and mist daily with rainwater when in growth. See bromeliad cultivation for more detailed advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 27°C (81°F), or by division. Seedlings may take years to flower. Guzmania are monocarpic and will die down after flowering, but usually go on to produce offsets that can be removed and grown separately
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.