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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:

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

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  2. 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.

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  3. Such incredible flowers! Great post.

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