Fascicularia bicolor subsp. bicolor (formerly F. pitcairnifolia)

$18 (1 gallon)

Before describing this plant I had better clear up any confusion surrounding its name: Its old name is F. pitcairnifolia. The plant traditionally known as F. bicolor has been reclassified as F. bicolor subsp. caniculata, which is not this plant (though I hope to offer it in the future). One of the hardiest bromeliads, this Chilean native has naturalized in the southwest of England. It offsets generously, and after a few years, the typical bromeliad flowers surrounded by bright red bracts can be seen. Though a little less hardy than F. bicolor subsp. caniculata, I have found that it is quite happy planted under the shelter of some trees, where it thrives in the shade and endures winter cold without harm. Out in the open, expect trouble below 20°F, but it can go a lot lower with some shelter. It also makes a great container plant.

Puya berteroana

$12

This spectacular xeric terrestrial bromeliad comes from the subalpine screes and rock fells of central Chile. Large, mounding rosettes of steely silvery leaves (each to 2' or wider) are armed with savage, inward pointing spines that may trap anything that falls into the rosette. On large plants, spectacular steely blue flowers, the color of which really looks 'wrong' for anything found in nature, appear in quantity on person-height, stout stalks. These persist for a several months and are a magnet for hummingbirds. One of the hardiest Puyas, it will appreciate excellent drainage on gritty, gravelly soil and overhead cover from winter rains if possible. It can also be grown in a pot. Under xeric conditions, it should be able to survive down to at least 15°F.

Puya coerulea

$12

A smaller Chilean species with strongly recurved, silvery leaves, which may produce tall spikes of blue and yellow flowers when the plant matures. Like all Puyas, it will appreciate a dry spot with superb drainage in very gritty soil. Hardy to 20°F, possibly lower, once established if kept dry in winter.

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