I can't tell you "the best" bromeliad, but I have lots of broms in similar situations, and the neoregelias and aechmeas are very happy under those circumstances. These plants qualify as easy, for sure. I'm not an expert, only having grown them for a couple of years, but I expect all the mother plants to eventually fade after blooming while pups emerge. So far I haven't separated them, I'm just letting them form clumps. Most of mine are in pots set into deep mulch, but I have a few directly in the ground. But be aware the "ground" should be mostly orchid bark, fast-draining soil mix, maybe some gravel, I've had a few begin to rot from sitting in wet clay, not a good thing. Some of mine have produced pups like crazy, others are still singles growing larger, no bloom, no pups. The variety of shapes and colors is thrilling. Just for the record, I've been unlucky with guzmanias, and the vriesias prefer shade. I have a couple of billbergias, but haven't had them long enough to comment. Mine get sprayed several days a week, and I flush out the center cups thoroughly once a week. I don't fertilize, but if you do, make it very very light strength, and only mist, don't put it in the center cup. You're going to love your bromeliads.

Great info! Thanks! I continue to be hesitant to put one in the ground...do you think a micro mister would do the trick for watering?

A simple test is to feel the leaf, if its tough it will generally withstand a little more sun. The Bromeliads called neoregelias do like the early morning sun although not the midday sun, go to the The Central Coast NSW Bromeliad Society web page it is full of Bromeliad garden photos.

Here is a link that might be useful: The Central Coast NSW Bromeliad Society

Most Aechmeas, Billbergias, Alcanterias and Neo's will do fine outside, in ground here. I have too many to count to name but A. triangularis and cruenta are the two hardiest in full sun. All my Bill's can take full morning sun but prefer diffused light in the afternoon. You have to careful with Neo's as they can scorch easily if subject to strong sun too quickly. Hohenbergias are another great sun-loving genus as are Puya and Hechtia. It is a lot of trial and error, moving plants around trying for that optimum light spectrum. Many species of the large Tillandsias take very well when planted in ground to full sun. As was stated, the harder the leaf, the more sun.

Gonzer,

Thanks for the info! Do you think a sprayer attatched to my drip system will be adequate for in-ground planting?

The terrestrial bromes will need the benefit of overhead watering to keep the cups filled. Try using the micro-spray heads that are made for use with drip systems. They'll give enough water to fill 'em up! Good luck.