Neomea 'Strawberry'

Neomea 'Strawberry' is an intergeneric hybrid resulting from a crossing of Neoregelia carolinae x Aechmea recurvata var. benrathii. The plant tolerates more sun than Neo. carolinae and has more colorful foliage than Ae. recurvata. Leaves are a bronze color, blushing red in the center when ready to bloom. A mature plant can be over two feet across. As bloom time approaches, a red "strawberry" forms in the center.

The plant pictured here was grown in late afternoon sun. Foliage is stiff with small spines on the leaf edges. Neomea 'Strawberry' survives temperatures in the mid 20s F without damage as long as frost is kept off the leaves. Flowering usually occurs in the spring on this plant.