Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra'Giant Bromeliad

The Alcantarea imperialis 'Rubra', or Rubra Giant Bromeliad, is a stunning cultivar of the Giant Bromeliad, featuring deep red to burgundy-tinted foliage that intensifies in full sun. Native to Brazil, this architectural plant grows up to 1.5 metres tall and wide, forming a massive rosette of broad, strappy leaves. In maturity, it produces an impressive flower spike reaching up to 3 metres tall, crowned with small, tubular blooms.

Perfect for creating bold focal points, this low-maintenance bromeliad thrives in tropical and subtropical landscapes, rockeries, or large containers.

Specifications

• Height1.5 metres (up to 3 metres with flower spike)
• Width1.5 metres
• Native toBrazil
• FoliageDeep red to burgundy, broad strappy leaves; evergreen
• Growth rateSlow

Conditions

• SoilPrefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soils enriched with organic matter
• LightFull sun to partial shade; richer colour develops in brighter light
• WaterModerate; water into the central tank and keep soil lightly moist
• ClimateThrives in tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate regions

Additional Features

• FlowersTowering flower spike with tubular blooms; blooms after several years
• FormLarge, symmetrical rosette with striking burgundy foliage
• UsesIdeal for feature planting, rockeries, large containers, or tropical gardens
• SpacingPlant 1.5 to 2 metres apart for standout displays
• Low MaintenanceMinimal care required; remove spent leaves as needed
• Pest ResistanceGenerally pest-free; monitor for scale or mealybugs
• Drought ToleranceTolerates dry periods once established; suitable for low-water gardens
• Wind ToleranceSturdy leaves withstand windy and coastal conditions
• Seasonal AppealEvergreen foliage provides year-round colour and structure
• VersatilityComplements modern, tropical, and arid garden styles

The Rubra Giant Bromeliad is a bold and captivating plant, perfect for adding dramatic colour and texture to gardens and landscapes with minimal effort.