This bromeliad (often tropical or sub-tropical plants, with rosettes of stiff, spiny leaves, sometimes epiphytic) is now down to a single species, F. bicolor, native to central Chile. Hardy in the milder areas of the UK, but good for pot growth, or in the right conditions, in the crook of a tree, or as a green roof. Rosettes of narrow strap-like leaves, arching, serrated and sharp. These can turn an incredible red at flowering time, surrounding a rosette of sky-blue flowers.
The dense tussocks of foliage produced in suitably frost-free areas offer shelter to a wide range of beneficial predatory insects and spiders. The dramatic flowers are pollinated by bees, along with hummingbirds in their native areas.