Quesnelia arvensis

This is another nice spring-blooming bromeliad that is great for landscaping.  The plants grow 2 to 3 foot tall with an equal spread.  The long, strap-like leaves have finely serrated margins.
In early spring the pinkish-red flower spike emerges from the center of the plant and rises up above the foliage.  The colored portion of the spike grows about 6 to 8" long and is showy even from a distance.  The bloom period of a landscape grouping can last for a couple of months, as individual plants don't always bloom at exactly the same time.

The actual flowers are tiny and blue, and emerge from within the red bracts.  They seem to barely open.
The plants are very drought tolerant and cold-hardy.  Mine have survived extended periods in the upper 20° F. range with no damage.




Top view of the flower spike

Plants will grow in mostly sun to light shade.

 Quesnelia arvensis grouping in the landscape.

This is a great plant that could be used more in landscape plantings where it is hardy.

Buy this plant!