Well, lookie there...

Turning the basement plant lights on one morning something caught my eye, a very slight pink tint where there never has been...

Looking down into the cup formed by the leaves I was surprised to see this...

I bought this bromeliad labeled as a Neoregelia hybrid.

Since I'm no expert that's what I've always believed it to be.

But this strange bloom has be thinking otherwise. After all to the best of my knowledge Neoregelia blooms happen within the cup, you have to look down to see the tiny flowers. This one was definitely not staying put.

After a little research (the book Bromeliads for the Contemporary Garden once again proving to be extremely valuable) I've decided this is actually a Billbergia, perhaps B. brasiliensis.

Watching the bloom spike grow has been very entertaining.

We missed a few days since we went away for Christmas...

But thankfully bromeliad blooms go on for days. The first picture was taken on December 21st, this one on the 28th...

If the container the plant is in wasn't so large I'd haul it upstairs where I could better appreciate the show.

This photo is from New Years Eve. I keep waiting for the blue bits to open and curl back...

Finally! A New Years Day gift...

I think this is a sign it's going to be a very good year in the garden.

All material © 2009-2013 by Loree Bohl for danger garden. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited and just plain rude.