A tough clumping bromeliad with narrow arching leaves and pendent sprays of pink bracts cradling green-and-blue edged flowers. Among the hardiest bromeliads and easy in pots or as a tough groundcover.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 40 cm H × 40 cm W
- Aspect: part shade or morning sun and full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Queen's Tears
Botanically, Billbergia nutans is a moderate-growing perennial in the Bromeliaceae family. It reaches around 40 cm tall and 40 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage. Pink and yellow flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Queen's Tears
Queen's Tears suits subtropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in part shade or morning sun and full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Queen's Tears 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
Queen's Tears is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Queen's Tears after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Queen's Tears in the garden
Queen's Tears earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and hanging baskets. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Queen's Tears with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and subtropical climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Queen's Tears
Plant Sale lists Queen's Tears as potted plants. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.