Imperial Bromeliad 'Rubra'

Alcantarea imperialis Rubra

The Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra', commonly known as the Imperial Bromeliad, is a stunning and robust evergreen plant that adds a tropical flair to any setting. Renowned for its striking color and large size, it serves as an impressive ornamental feature.

Evergreen or Deciduous: Evergreen
Mature Height (metres): Typically grows to about 1-1.5 metres.
Mature Width (metres): Approximately 1-1.5 metres.
Spacing: Plant at least 1 metre apart from other plants to ensure enough space for its expansive rosette.
Foliage: Features large, broad leaves that are a deep burgundy-red, radiating out from a central rosette, creating a bold and dramatic impact.
Flowering Period: Produces a tall flower spike infrequently, with small white flowers that add to its visual interest.
Form/Habit: Forms a large, dense rosette with leaves that curve gracefully, offering a striking visual texture and colour.
Uses: Ideal for tropical and subtropical gardens, in borders or as a focal point in landscape beds. It's also well-suited for container gardening, adding a lush, exotic touch to patios and balconies.
Sun: Thrives in full sun to partial shade, with more vibrant leaf coloration in brighter light.
Maintenance: Low maintenance; requires minimal care once established, other than the occasional removal of spent leaves and flower spikes to maintain its aesthetic appeal.
Water Requirement: Moderate; prefers regular watering but is quite drought-tolerant once established. It performs best in well-drained soil and appreciates misting in very hot conditions.

The Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra' is more than just a plant; it’s a vibrant sculpture for your garden. Its stunning foliage and minimal care requirements make it a coveted choice for gardeners looking to inject a splash of tropical colour and architectural beauty into their outdoor spaces.