Oft confused with Bromelia sylvicola, a plant that was widely grown as B. balansae for years. Harry Luther finally sorted out the confusion and introduced the first 'real' Bromelia balansae to be grown in the U.S. It was with good reason that the true species was overlooked for so long, it is a giant among bromeliads!

The specimen at the Marie Selby Botanical Gardens, where our seed was harvested, has leaves longer than 10 feet! The are about three inches wide and fairly stiff, with fish-hook like spines on the margins. The inflorescence is nothing short of spectacular with long crimson bracts and large blue flowers edged in white. Spectacular. In containers it stays much smaller, reaching only about 6 feet tall.