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AECHMEA 'Del Mar'

Image of Aechmea 'Del Mar' PP13421

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.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    11 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 22, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Tender Perennial

  • Sun Exposure

    Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    1'-2' / 0.3m - 0.6m

  • Width

    2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m

  • Bloom Time

    Indeterminate

  • Native To

    Hybrid Origin

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Rosette/Stemless

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Showy

  • Flower Color

    White, Red, Blue, Green, Purple

  • Flower Color Modifier

    Multi-Color

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Green

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    No

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    No

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    No

  • Foliage Texture

    Medium

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Usage

    Bedding Plant, Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    Yes

  • Invasive

    No

  • Attracts

    Hummingbirds

  • Self-Sowing

    No