Aechmea fendleri

Aechmea fendleri is a spring-blooming bromeliad with a vivid red and blue inflorescence. Blue tubular flowers open only briefly from each bud, but the entire bloom spike lasts with good color for a couple of months.
The plant grows to be over 2 feet high and wide with fairly stiff leaves. The inflorescence is held well above the foliage and is quite striking, even from a distance.
Mine get nearly full sun so the foliage has a yellowish cast. Plants in more shade would have darker green leaves. The leaf margins are lined with small spines, typical of many Aechmea species.

Winter temperatures in the mid 20s F are tolerated, but some leaf damage occurs if frost settles directly on the plant.