A magnificent giant bromeliad forming a broad sculptural rosette over a metre across, often flushed wine-red, eventually throwing a towering branched flower spike. A dramatic architectural feature plant.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 1.2 m H × 1.3 m W
- Aspect: full sun and part shade or morning sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Giant Bromeliad
Alcantarea imperialis is a slow-growing perennial in the Bromeliaceae family. It reaches around 1.2 m tall and 1.3 m wide at maturity, with evergreen and purple-toned foliage. White flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Giant Bromeliad
Giant Bromeliad suits subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun and part shade or morning sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also tolerates salt-laden coastal winds.
Soil & planting
Giant Bromeliad does best in free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Giant Bromeliad performs well with relatively little water once established. Apply a balanced fertiliser in spring to support healthy growth. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Giant Bromeliad after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Its ongoing care level is low maintenance.
Using Giant Bromeliad in the garden
Giant Bromeliad earns its place for a feature or specimen planting and pots and courtyard containers. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same happy on low water and subtropical climate as Giant Bromeliad. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Giant Bromeliad
Plant Sale lists Giant Bromeliad as potted plants. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
