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 pollinated blooms develop into colorful fruits that hang on through most of the summer.

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.