Aechmea vallerandii vipp 5-21 At anthesis

At anthesis

A hybrid of (fasciculata (Mexico) x flabellata ‘Giant Red’) showing influence of both parents

Superficially resembling the exquisite and giant growing Neo

An extraordinary beauty that takes on a bulbous shape with wide

Not much of a blush at anthesis

Aechmea vallerandii vipp 5-21 At anthesisAn Ecuadorian plant, formerly Streptocalyx poeppigii which then became Aechmea beeriana but since 2008 has been classified as Ae. vallerandii. This lovely species has fairly stiff, spiny, deep green, silver dusted leaves in a moderate sized rosette, to about 30 inches. Its stunning inflorescence has many small branches and bright red bracts frosted with silver, tipped in white with inky blue flowers.