A striking bromeliad with arching silver-banded grey-green leaves forming a water-holding vase, topped by a long-lasting pink bract studded with blue flowers. A classic indoor and shade-garden feature.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 50 cm H × 50 cm W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Urn Plant
Botanically, Aechmea fasciata is a slow-growing perennial in the Bromeliaceae family. It reaches around 50 cm tall and 50 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Pink flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Urn Plant
Urn Plant suits tropical and subtropical climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and shade and low-light positions. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Urn Plant does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Urn Plant does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Urn Plant after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Urn Plant in the garden
Urn Plant earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Urn Plant with plants that share its preference for regular, moderate watering and tropical climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Urn Plant
Plant Sale lists Urn Plant as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
