Code:518
Spires of almost wax-like
Family: Bromeliaceae
Plant Classification: Hardy perennial
Minimum Height: 90 cm
Maximum Height: 1.2 meters
Spires of almost wax-like, deep reddish-violet flowers arise from a large rosette of saw-toothed leaves when mature. Plant in a wall, bank or well-drained position.
Sowing advice:
Seeds can be sown at any time but are best sown in winter or early spring to benefit from a cold spell in the wet compost to break their dormancy. We advise covering seeds very thinly with sand or fine grit to about the depth of the seed size. If the seeds do not come up within 6 to 12 weeks the damp seed tray can be given cold treatment in a fridge for about four weeks. They may still take very many months to appear, so please never discard the pot or tray.
Habitat according to altitude:
Coastal areas, 0 – 500 m
Watering conditions:
Somewhat dry areas where the drought may last 3 – 5 months. Precipitations of 400 – 800 mm. are concentrated in winter.
Dry, arid areas, with long drought periods of 6 – 10 months. Precipitations of 100 mm – 300 mm. are concentrated in winter.
Light conditions:
Fully exposed to the sun. Level areas or slopes facing north.
Some shadow. Some protection against direct sunlight, some shadow from vegetation, filtering about 20 – 40 % of light.
