This is one of the most popular hybrids, with abut 20 narrow, glossy, wine-red leaves 1ft (30cm) long, slightly curving to form a small rosette.

The drooping panicle of blue and orange flowers appears in the summer, later giving way to coral-red berries. It should have a minimum winter temperature of 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). There is also a variegated form with stripes of white along the leaf blades, but, like most variegated bromeliads, it is not easy to obtain since plants must be propagated by offsets.