Scientific Name - Aechmea ‘Excelsior’
Common Name - None
Place of Origin - Garden Hybrid, California
Status - Not threatenedThis is a newly acquired plant, but it’s already one of my favorites. I received it from a friend in California, where the plant has been used in landscaping since the 1970’s. It’s parentage is uncertain, but it’s thought to have Aechmea recurvata in its blood. The plant does resemble a giant A. recurvata, being about 15 inches tall out of flower, and around 20 inches when flowering. In more sun, the inflorescence will be a brighter red, instead of this pastel color. It produces its pups on short stolons.
This plant is supposed to be able to handle lots of sun and cold weather with ease. Eventually it will be planted in my rock garden, when the danger of frost is gone.
This is one of my favorite plants I have.
