Hi Jen, I have several, well, ok, a lot, of billbergias that bloom in the winter. In fact I think most billbergias bloom in the winter. Here are a few: This is 'Fantasia' at Nell's house last year and the bud of one that's about to bloom in my greenhouse: Billbergia minima in bud and a close up of the bloom: This is B. 'Pixie': This is B. wendii: This is a pretty NOID that Nell gave me a couple of years ago: And this is a Billbergia nutans F1 hybrid, I'm told: I heard so much about the hardiness of B.n. last year that when I divided the huge old plant in the picture I planted the bare parts of the left-over rhizomes in the front yard. Here's a photo from yesterday: I have more that should be flowering soon but I don't think I have pictures of them. Gotta get more conscientious about that!

Thanks Lisa. For some reason,I keep calling it Aechmea. And I also get my Fosters mixed up with my Royal wine-I have that too. Razor sharp leaves on that one right? And much hardier to cold.My big,big,clump sits out in the cold rain with no problems I'm sure though that a label I have somewhere says something-orlandiana. I bought three broms two years ago at a cactus sale(figures)-that name I remember,the other two if I dont find the labels,it's post and ask for help!

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. 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.

That's the fantasia. Its also called "Strawberry" since in more sun it does get redder. So many plants are hybrids of Fantasia on the net...all look great.