09 | April | 2013 | small house/BIG GARDEN

This week, WordPress asks us to share pictures in which color takes center stage. No problem! My Neoregelias are coming into bloom, and more than happy to comply!

Neoregelias form a group of over 50 species and hybrid varieties within the larger family of bromeliads. Their rosette shaped, strappy leaves are usually green, maroon, or red with contrasting splotches/spots/stripes. When a plant comes into bloom, it assumes a flatter shape and the colors intensify, particularly inside the center “tank”

Regardless of leaf color, neoregelia flowers are typically white or purplish-blue, opening a few at a time from a pad-like inflorescence within the center cup. Look closely at the next photo and you’ll see both structures:

Two more flowers arrived this morning: 🙂 This is some serious color ❗

I’ve written a few other posts about Broms/Neos. If you’d like to learn more about dividing/repotting, read Harvesting Bromeliads. Curious about the science behind the bloom-time color flush of the hybrid Neos below? Click this one: When Succulents See Red.