When I asked the nice woman who was selling her Bromeliads for their scientific names, she kind've looked insulted and said "They're Bromeliads. They're in the Bromeliad family", so I didn't ask further... lol!
In this first pic are three different kinds... the dark maroon in front is a parent to the one behind it. Altogether, these cost me $7.
Here is one I love- I think I used to know cultivar name... something astronomical? If not, it definitely should've been given a name like 'Galaxy' :)
Here's my favorite discovery- It's foliage feels like silk flowers! Like no bromeliad I've ever seen. It apparently gets a red bloom.
another:
last one:
Hope you all enjoyed :) I did!
~Gina
Your first plant is hard for me to see. Could be a Neoregelia. Can you post a brighter photo?
The second one is one of the many Billbergia hybrids. I would suggest you search through the Photo Index at http://fcbs.org/
The third on is indeed a treasure (assuming I am right). It appears to be Pepinia sanguinea. In any case it's a real beauty, and quite large too. There are several other Pitcairnias with nice foliage like P. sprucei. I would love to have one some day if you get pups.
You may find your plant listed as Pitcairnia sanguinea since there is quite a bit of disagreement among the Bromeliad taxonomists if Pepinia should be its own genus or just a part of Pitcairnea. Generally the Pitcairnias are low canopy or terrestrial, in part shade, and they like moisture, so don't let it get too dry for too long. But, of course, make sure you have a well draining mix.
Dave.
I'll get some better photos of the ones in the top pic...
Thanks for the link to the Bromeliad Encyclopedia! Courtesy of my home state. ;)
And thanks for the info on the third one... I knew it was special, and a great deal at $15.
I'll post when it starts pupping. :)
~Gina
Beautiful plants ! we have great luck growing them in ground year round !!
