Bromeliads

BROMELIADS

Bromeliads are the jewels of the garden. There is such a huge variety and colour range.

They are native to central and South America. Many are epiphytic jungle plants and some are found in the desert or even growing on power lines.

Most of the plants available in NZ are hybrids - bred for their shape and array of colours.

Species plants are also available and stunning in their own right.

Bromeliads are easy to grow and very non demanding. The only thing that will kill them are chemicals. Drips from tanalised timber (don't plant them under decks and eaves). Don't over fertilise.

At Landsendt we plant them pot and all. This way when the plant loses it's sparkle we swap them round. The old plants can be pupped and used the following season. Just rotate them. It is amazing what difference it makes to the garden when the brom displays have been refreshed. We do this about twice a year. It pays to invest in the good varieties as you then perpetuate lovely garden plants.

Some varieties such as Aechmea gamosepala are better planted straight into the garden. They look great in drifts.