James Burghardt
Family
Bromeliaceae
Botanical Name
AECHMEA 'Big Harv'
Plant Common Name
Aechmea, Big Harv Aechmea, Big Harv Bromeliad
General Description
A large bromeliad for the tropical landscape, 'Big Harv' has light green and coppery foliage and produces a tall, branched, yellow and red flower spike in summertime. It is an evergreen, frost-tender perennial bromeliad that forms an upright rosette of leaves with a bold, coarse visual texture. It is usually grown in the soil but can be wedged among rocks. This hybrid was developed by Bullis Bromeliads of Princeton, Florida.
The long, rigid strappy leaves are a light green with coppery bronze tips. This color is especially bold when plants are grown in full sun. The leaf edges are lined in skin-cutting spines and the bases form a lower circular "vase", or pockets, which collect water. In the heat of summer, mature plants send up a sturdy, thick flower stalk that branches out. It is powdery red and supports golden yellow bracts that support tiny flowers. The flower stalk remains attractive for several months. In winter, the foliage often becomes more orange. After the central plant flowers, it dies, but not before it creates young plants, or pups, at its base. These grow to replace the dying parent plant.
For best leaf color, grow this large Aechmea in full to partial sun. It thrives moist but well-draining soil that is warm. Ensure the leaf bases are filled with water, especially in the intense heat of summer. Plants can be wedged between boulders in tropical rockeries. It also makes a suitable, but large, houseplant.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 9
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USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Tender Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2'-4' / 0.6m - 1.2m
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Width
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Native To
North America, Mexico, Latin America and the Caribbean, Caribbean, Central America, South America
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Drought Tolerant, Average Water
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Habit
Rosette/Stemless
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Hummingbirds
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Self-Sowing
No
