The Bromeliad Imperial (Alcantarea imperialis) is the king of landscape bromeliads — a massive rosette of broad, leathery leaves that turns deep burgundy in full sun and anchors a tropical bed like a living sculpture. Native to the mountains of Brazil, it is planted in the ground and treated like a specimen shrub.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Bromeliad Imperial Breakdown
Appearance:
Wide, stiff, strap-like leaves up to 3 feet long forming a huge, symmetrical rosette with a central water cup.
Leaves are green to gray-green in shade and flush wine-red to burgundy in strong sun. After 8–15 years a mature plant sends up a branched flower spike 8–10 feet tall, blooms once over many months, and is replaced by pups at its base.
Growth Rate:
Slow.
Builds size over many years.
Size:
3–5 feet tall and 4–6 feet wide at maturity.
Available in 3-gallon, 7-gallon, and 15-gallon.
Sunlight Requirements:
Full sun to part shade.
Full sun brings out the burgundy color; in shade it stays green and a bit larger.
Water Needs:
Low.
Keep the central cup filled in dry weather; the roots need only occasional water once established. Drought tolerant.
Soil Preferences:
Fast-draining sandy or gravelly soil; plant slightly high so water never pools around the base.
Maintenance:
Low.
Remove old lower leaves and flush the cup now and then. No pruning or regular feeding needed.
Landscape Use:
Specimen and focal point, tropical and modern beds, rock gardens, poolside plantings, and very large containers.
Dramatic beside palms, agaves, and boulders.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 10a–11.
Takes heat and salt breeze; leaves are marked by frost.
A single Imperial in full sun becomes the centerpiece of the yard — a burgundy rosette the size of a patio table that never needs watering.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Bromeliad Imperial ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Bromeliad Imperial in Florida
Choose Sun + Spacing
Most Florida plants prefer full to partial sun. Check mature width and space accordingly so plants don’t crowd as they fill in.
Dig Wide, Not Deep
Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the container and slightly shallow. This encourages roots to spread outward into native soil.
Plant at Proper Height
Remove from the pot, loosen circling roots, and plant with the root ball level to slightly above grade.
Water to Establish
Water deeply right after planting. For the first 10–14 days, consistent moisture is critical—don’t let the root ball dry out.
Mulch + Light Maintenance
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (keep off the stem). Once settled, light trimming encourages fuller growth.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
I bought 12 plants. All in excellent condition. Good size. Delivery was on time. Thank you. I recommend it.
Dino's Palms just completed a full landscape install at our property in Tequesta. They planted 10 Christmas palms, 9 Coconuts, Silver buttonwood trees, hundreds of clusia, and more small plants. I cannot speak highly enough about the quality and service.
Dino's Palms did an amazing job with delivering and installation of my new calusia. Their plants are very affordable and I highly recommend them.
