Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Bromeliaceae
Botanical Name
AECHMEA 'Del Mar' PP13421
Plant Common Name
Aechmea , Del Mar Aechmea, Del Mar Bromeliad
General Description
Bromeliad ‘Del Mar’ is a tender tropical perennial grown primarily for its spectacular long-lasting blooms and compact habit. Resulting from a cross between Aechmea fendleri and A. dichlamydea var. trinitensis, it has a rosette of leathery, broadly lance-shaped, medium green leaves with small sharp spines on their edges. The arching leaves form a 30-cm (12-inch) tall, 60-cm (2-foot) wide clump, with a central tube-shaped "cup." A spike of showy flowers with purple and dark red bracts (petal-like leaves) and blue purple and greenish white sepals arises on a red central stem that is twice the height of the foliage. This inflorescence lasts for many months, sometimes almost a year. The main rosette dies after flowering, to be replaced by offsets (pups) that form at its base.
This versatile plant requires bright light or dappled sun and a moist, well-drained, humus-rich growing medium (not heavy soil). Keep the central cup filled with water and mist the leaves regularly, especially in the heat and strong sunlight of summer. Bromeliads make interesting conservatory or house plants. In frost free climates they grow well outdoors attached to a tree, set in a wire basket or container, or planted in moist but fast-draining soil.
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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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
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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Flower Color
White, Red, Blue, Green, Purple
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Flower Color Modifier
Multi-Color
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green
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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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Flower Petal Number
Single
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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
No
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Foliage Texture
Medium
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Mixed Border, 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