What: Fascicularia bicolor is an eye-catching terrestrial bromeliad that is literally a rainbow of color. Its toothed and linear leaves are dark green and it forms sky blue and yellow flowers in the center, which are set in a tight cluster. During the fall, the center leaves turn scarlet red, giving this plant a most exotic appearance. Native to Chile, it is a perfect plant for containers in well-drained soil. Although hardy down to 20 degrees, this perennial bromeliad does not hold up well in our wet winters. Store it in a greenhouse or garage during the winter with sufficient light and water once per month.
Sun/shade: Morning and early afternoon sun would be the best choice.
Size: It will be 24 inches tall in about five years.
Find it: Call your local full service nurseries or check www.stevesupergardens.com.
Learn more: Whether you are planting bromeliads indoors or outdoors, there is much to learn. A good source is the book “Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden” by Andrew Steens.
See them on display: in the Bromeliad House at the Volunteer Park Conservatory, 1400 E. Galer St., Seattle.
— Sandra Schumacher
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