A neat rosette of dark green leaves cross-banded in purple-brown, sending up a flattened sword of vivid red bracts with yellow flowers. A bold foliage-and-flower feature for warm, shaded positions.
At a glance
- Plant type: Perennial
- Mature size: 50 cm H × 40 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 Flaming Sword
Botanically, Vriesea splendens is a slow-growing perennial in the Bromeliaceae family. It reaches around 50 cm tall and 40 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and variegated foliage. Red and yellow flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Flaming Sword
Flaming Sword 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
Flaming Sword does best in free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Flaming Sword does best with regular, moderate watering. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. New plantings need closer moisture checks in hot or windy weather, with watering tapered once strong new growth appears.
Pruning & care
Prune Flaming Sword after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Flaming Sword in the garden
Flaming Sword 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 Flaming Sword 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 Flaming Sword
Plant Sale lists Flaming Sword as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
