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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Flaming Sword is regular, moderate watering. 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 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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Flaming Sword with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and tropical 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 Flaming Sword
Plant Sale lists Flaming Sword 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.