Neoregelia spectabilis
painted fingernail
An evergreen rosette of leathery strap-shaped dull green leaves to 45cm in length, each tipped with red; inner leaves red. Blue flowers grow from purple-banded green bracts, in the centre of the rosette
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Purple | Green Red | ||
| Autumn | Green Red | |||
| Winter | Green Red |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Bromeliaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Tufted
- Genus
Neoregelia are evergreen, rosette-forming perennials with strap-shaped leaves, the inner ones often brightly coloured; small tubular flowers are borne in dense clusters with showy bracts, in the centre of the rosette in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- Brazil
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in epiphytic or terrestrial bromeliad compost in bright filtered light. Water freely with soft water when in growth and keep just moist in winter. Apply a low-nitrogen liquid fertiliser monthly when in growth. May be grown outdoors in gritty, leafy soil in an open site with partial shade or grow epiphytically in a tree
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 27°C as soon as ripe, or separate offsets in spring or summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Sever spent rosettes at the bases
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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