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. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Queen's Tears performs well with relatively little water once established. A light spring feed is usually enough to maintain steady growth. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Prune Queen's Tears after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Expect a low maintenance care workload once it is established.
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 easier irrigation and care, group Queen's Tears with species that also favour happy on low water and subtropical climate. Leave enough room for the mature spread so neighbouring plants are not crowded out.
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. Catalogue forms are planning guidance until the Plant Sale team confirms live availability.
