Fascicularia bicolor is an evergreen terrestial perennial and native of Chile where it grows in rocky ground on the southern coast. It a member of the bromeliad family (Bromalaceae) that includes pineapples and Spanish moss. Its slender spiny-toothed dark green leaves are twelve to fifteen inches long and form attractive rosettes. In summer just before flowering the leaves in the center of the rosette turn bright scarlet red as a dense cluster of sky blue flowers emerge surrounded by ivory white bracts. Each flower has three petals surrounding stamens tipped with bright yellow pollen. Plants produce offsets and from substantial colony over time. Since it is tender it is best grown in most parts of the country as a container plant and brought indoors during the winter. Free draining soil is essential for the growth of this plant.
Type: Evergreen perennial
Bloom: Tight cluster of sky blue flowers with yellow stamens and surrounded by ivory white bracts in summer; leaves around flower cluster turn scarlet before flower cluster emerges.
Size: 18” H x 24” W
Light: Full sun to part shade
Soil: Lean, moist, very well drained
Hardiness: Zones 9-10
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: Aphids
Propagation: Offsets
Karen Meyers