The best ones for larger areas are Neoreglia's. They bloom in the cup and require minimal maintenance. Many will take quite a bit of sun for best color, but all seem to do well in any dry environment.

The blooming types are, of course, the most interesting and I would limit their use to focal points in the garden.

If you're coming to Veronika's or Kate's swap, I can bring you a box of Neo. Martin and Neo Fireball - two of my favorites. If you have a full sun location for a either a huge planting or just a focal point, I have Achmea blanchettiana pups that will grow to 3' tall, 5' spread, and a 3' bloom spike on top of that.

ricky ricky ricky ricky....sorry, I think of you everytime I see that SUV commercial and the porcupine is my favorite ricky chatterer! lol. Won't be able to make either Veronika's or Kate's this fall Ricky. I hopefully will be getting ready for surgery then. Thanks for your comments, I'll have to see what I can find. The areas are not terribly large, hoewever.

Cindee,

Are there any colors that you prefer?

If you are into Billbergias, pyramidalis var. concolor are easy and multiply quickly; striata is an albomarginated variety;'Pink Champagne'; 'Fantasia' is a nicely marbled brom. Neos make a nice low plant. My favorites are Aechmeas. They are usually a little to a lot taller than the others. I have mine mixed in the beds. That way I get a good variety of color and texture.

BoDig-I love the green/red/white combos that Broms have to offer. In one spot I would like some maroon to purple coloring too to compliment the purple ground orchid and purple lily that has white polka dot on green leaves.

I love my Bills. I have Nutans and Distachia 'louise' whose varigation I exceptional.

Distachia 'Louise' sends out lots of pups. I got this at Tropiflora last spring.
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I also have 2 NOID Broms given to me, one with some maroon stripes to the leaves and the another from Tony that has bright green leaves with a bright red flower tipped with white and tiny bits of purple.

Any chance for an ID on this one from Tony? They are in mostly shade under my pergola.

Cindee,

The red one is Billbergia pyramidalis.

The Neoregelias are nice for the frequent variegation and red or pink flush during bloom, but the blooms are insignificant. I like Aechmeas for the great blooms.

My suggestion would be to come visit my yard soon and see what I have. Some I do not have a lot of to divide yet, but you could see what they look like, and many of them you are welcome to if I have enough to divide. One I like alot that seems to fett your needs is Aechmea gamosepala. Interesting blooms, one of the smaller Aechmeas, and it spreads rapidly and will flower heavily in dappled light.

Bill

Bill, thanks so much for the ID and the offer, how generous of you.

WOW That Aechmea gamosepala is very interesting. I googled and found this. Little neon blue tips. So cool!

Here is a link that might be useful: Aechmea gamosepala