Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
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Current Stock Height Guides
Current Stock Height Guides
Height guide disclaimer: Height ranges are approximate only. As living products, plant heights naturally vary between individual plants, batches, and seasons. No guarantee is given that supplied plants will fall within the stated range. If minimum heights are required, you mustconfirm current batch heights with Evergreen Trees Direct prior to purchase. Variation in height is normal and is not grounds for return, refund, replacement, or compensation.
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: 1m to 1.5m
Mature Width: 1.5m to 2m
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad is expected to grow 20cm to 50cm per year.
Root Ball Dimensions
Root Ball Dimensions
Use this as a reference when digging your planting hole. We recommend digging at least 10% wider than the dimensions below to encourage strong root development.
- 30cm Pot: 33cm (W) × 30cm (D)
- 40cm/45L Pot: 44cm (W) × 41.5cm (D)
- 50cm Pot / 70L Pot: 55cm (W) × 41.8cm (D)
- 100L Bag: 50.6cm (W) × 52.8cm (D)
- 150L Bag: 66cm (W) × 55cm (D)
- 200L Bag: 71.5cm (W) × 60.5cm (D)
- 300L Bag: 88cm (W) × 63.8cm (D)
- 400L Bag: 99cm (W) × 66cm (D)
- 500L Bag: 122cm (W) × 66cm (D)
- 750L Bag: 134cm (W) × 69cm (D)
- 1000L Bag: 146.3cm (W) × 71.5cm (D)
- 2000L Bag: 176cm (W) × 82.5cm (D)
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Trade
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Shipping
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There is no charge to calculate your freight.
Contact
Contact
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Email: sales@evergreentrees.com.au
Phone: (03) 7042 3318
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About Your New Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Alcantarea imperialis 'Silver Plum' is a large architectural bromeliad grown for its broad, arching leaves in dusky silver-purple. The plant builds a single symmetrical rosette roughly 1 to 1.5 metres across, holding that colour year round. Mature plants eventually send up a tall spike of cream flowers well above the foliage.
It grows best in full sun to part shade in free draining soil, and takes coastal exposure and summer heat without complaint. Leaf colour deepens with more light. It suits subtropical and warm temperate gardens from Brisbane to Sydney and Perth, and needs protection from frost in cold inland districts. Water through establishment, then rarely.
Landscapers use it as a single specimen in a courtyard, beside a pool, in raised planters, or repeated through a bed of gravel and succulents. One plant carries a space on its own, so it earns its place in small gardens and in commercial planting where low replacement rates matter.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Silver Plum Bromeliad
What is Alcantarea imperialis 'Silver Plum'?
It is a large evergreen bromeliad from Brazil, selected for its silver-purple foliage. The strap-shaped leaves arch out from a central rosette that holds water in its cup. It is grown as a foliage plant rather than for flowers, and is used where a bold, sculptural shape is wanted year round.
How big does Silver Plum Bromeliad grow?
Expect a rosette around 1 to 1.5 metres across and roughly 1 metre tall once mature, reached over several years. Growth is steady rather than quick, adding about 20 to 50 centimetres a year in good conditions. When the plant does flower, the spike lifts well above the foliage, to around 2 metres.
Does it need sun or shade?
Full sun to partial shade both work. In full sun the silver-purple tones are stronger and the rosette stays tighter and more upright. In shade the leaves grow longer and greener and the plant opens out. In very hot inland gardens, light afternoon shade prevents leaf burn during heatwaves.
Is it frost tolerant?
No, it is frost sensitive. Alcantarea imperialis comes from warm coastal Brazil, and cold damage shows as brown patches on the leaves and rot in the central cup. Grow it in frost free coastal and subtropical gardens, or keep it in a pot under eaves or a verandah where cold air drains away.
Can it grow in pots?
Yes, and it is one of the better container bromeliads. Use a wide, heavy pot with a coarse free draining mix, since the plant becomes top heavy as the rosette widens. A 45 to 75 litre pot suits a mature specimen. Containers also let you move it out of frost and driving winter rain.
When does it flower?
Flowering is unpredictable and usually takes many years, most often arriving in summer. A thick spike rises to about 2 metres carrying cream flowers. Each rosette flowers once and then slowly declines, but it produces offsets around the base beforehand, so the clump continues. Most buyers grow it for the foliage alone.
How do I care for Silver Plum Bromeliad?
Water into the central cup and around the base while it settles in, then water only in long dry spells. Flush the cup occasionally in still, humid weather so it does not sour. Remove old outer leaves as they brown. A light application of slow release fertiliser in spring is enough.
Evergreen Trees Direct Has Been Featured In:
Uses in my Garden
Uses in my Garden
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad works in an:
Is Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad Evergreen or Deciduous?
Is Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad Evergreen or Deciduous?
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad is an Evergreen (foliage year round) Tree
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height & Width
Mature Height: 1m to 1.5m
Mature Width: 1.5m to 2m
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad is expected to grow 20cm to 50cm per year.
Growth Rate of Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Growth Rate of Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad is expected to grow 20cm to 50cm per year.
They are considered to have a:
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Frost Tolerance & Ideal Climate to plant Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Is Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad frost tolerant?
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad is Frost Sensitive – May suffer damage from frost, best in frost-free or protected spots.
Does Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad Flower?
Does Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad Flower?
Alcantarea ‘Silver Plum’ produces a tall dramatic flower spike bearing masses of small creamy-yellow flowers on mature plants. While flowering is infrequent, the display is highly architectural, with the plant primarily valued for its broad silver-toned foliage flushed with plum colouring.
Does Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad flower?
Flowering Period:
Flower Type:
Flower Colour:
Cream
Is Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad an Australian Native Tree?
Is Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad an Australian Native Tree?
No
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad is Native to Brazil, where Alcantarea imperialis naturally grows on rocky slopes and exposed tropical landscapes.
What is the Wildlife Value of Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad ?
What is the Wildlife Value of Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad ?
Its central water-holding rosette provides a valuable microhabitat for frogs, beneficial insects and small wildlife within subtropical and tropical gardens. The flowers also attract bees and pollinators during the blooming period, supporting biodiversity within the landscape.
How much Sunlight does Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad need?
How much Sunlight does Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad need?
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad will thrive best in:
Preferred Soil?
Preferred Soil?
Alcantarea ‘Silver Plum’ performs best in free-draining sandy or loam soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. It will also tolerate poorer soils provided drainage remains reliable and airflow around the plant is maintained. Avoid heavy clay or persistently wet conditions, as excess moisture can lead to root or crown rot. Keep soil lightly moist during establishment, then gradually reduce watering as the plant matures.
Is Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad Drought Tolerant?
Is Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad Drought Tolerant?
Is Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad Drought tolerant?
As a young plant it benefits from occasional watering to establish evenly, particularly during warmer weather. Once established, ‘Silver Plum’ shows good drought tolerance and performs reliably through dry periods, especially when grown in well-drained soil.
Planting Information
How To Plant Your Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
How To Plant Your Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Recommended Planting Spacing For Your Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad is expected to grow 20cm to 50cm per year.
Long Term Care For Your Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Long Term Care For Your Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad
Planting Your Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad in Different Soil
Planting Your Alcantarea imperialis ‘Silver Plum’ – Silver Plum Bromeliad in Different Soil
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
