Friday, November 26, 2010

Billbergia Hoelscheriana

Billbergia 'Hoelscheriana' is commonly sold in Florida as B. saundersii. In reality, it is a hybrid; B. nutans x saundersii. It can be distingued from the true saundersii by the blue tips on the sepals and the blue-marginated petals. This is a small, hardy bromeliad that is effectively used in mass plantings.  In late fall the plants all come into bloom at the same time, creating a spectacular display.  Like many Billbergias, the flowers don't last long, but in large clumps of this cultivar, there will often be a second flowering about a month later.
Individual plants only get about 8-12 inches tall, with an upright growth habit.  In shaded areas they will have green leaves with white spots.  In sunnier areas, the foliage will take on a pinkish or reddish hue.
This cultivar is reportedly hardy to at least 20°F.

3 comments:

p3chandan said...

The colour of the blooms are so beautiful, Ive never seen these before. So exotic!

Vesna Maric said...

I have one Bilibergia in house. That is actually the only plant from Bromeliaceae that flowers every year. It flowers in winter time when the days become shorter.

Shirley said...

Such incredible flowers! Great post.