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Bromeliads for zone 9b?

15 years ago

Hi,

Does anyone have suggestions for epiphytic bromeliads that I could grow? Most parts of my garden never go below 35F. We have high rainfall, so humidity isn't an issue. Ones with big beautiful blooms are most preferred. Also, would tillandsia usneoides cope?

Thanks,

James

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Comments (5)

winterlager
15 years ago
You can't buy broms locally? Those you find locally in nurseries are almost certainly ones you can grow reliably.
tomas
15 years ago
Hi James, where do you live in the UK to get such temperatures? Isles of Scilly?

The frost is the most limiting factor in growing bromeliads, with minimums about 35F you should be able to grow a lot of species. Now where to get them?

The common Vriesea hybrids of the Holland flower industry will do well if mounted, they have beautiful spikes. Also Aechmea fasciata should be OK for you.

Tillandsia usneoides can take sever frosts, will surely like it in your location.

Tomas
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rhizophora
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi,
I live in Plymouth, UK. My house is in a south facing warm microclimate. My neighbour is growing schefflera arboricola outside permanently, and it looks really healthy. I can get bromeliads easily, but I just wanted to make sure if they can grow before I plant them. I have planted Ananas comosus, carica papaya and Howea outside and they are doing well (but the howea is getting sunburnt)!
Thanks,
James
tomas
15 years ago
Schefflera arboricola can take -3Â°C with no damage, many of them survived here -7Â°C. Howea too is quite cold tollerant. Best wishes for your pineapple.

For cold hardiness of bromeliads you can refer to this
http://fcbs.org/articles/cold_sensitivity_of_bromeliads.htm
Those with H 26-28 could potentialy do well for you. Be vary cautious with tillandsias, most of them do not like it wet when it is cold.
Tomas
rhizophora
Original Author
15 years ago
Hi,
Thanks for your reply. The pineapple has been propagated from a pineapple top, so is not used to direct sun due to it being inside for a while and has been damaged by the sun. It should root though.
Thanks,
James

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