Episode: New Zealand Ellerslie International Flower Show

Presenter:Trevor Cochrane

If you are looking for a patio pot plant with a real difference then you might want to consider growing a pineapple.

The normal green forms will grow pretty well but they don?t like winter and the cold climates. That is where the Red Brazilian Pineapple (Ananas bracteatus) comes into its own.

They are incredibly cold hardy and whilst they are bright red and ornamental they grow to about a foot long and are edible.

It is easy to grow and can be used indoors as well.

The first thing you are going to need to grow them is a really good potting mix. Bromeliads love a soil that is open and porous and you really have to make sure you go for the very best quality like Yates Thrive Premium Potting Mix if you want to get results.

Pineapples love the porous and airy soil so it will get them off to the best start. For the best effect don?t be scared to fill the whole pot right up with a heap of plants. You will end up with the whole pot just chock full of fantastic looking red fruit.

It is important you wear gloves as these plants are a little bit on the spiny side, which also means you probably shouldn?t put it in a high traffic area in the garden.

As the plant matures it fills the pot full of foliage, which is architecturally striking but when it has all the beautiful red fruit it is visually spectacular.

For more information on where to buy Red Brazilian Pineapples:

Rangiputa Plantations
(09) 4085420 Northland
Rangiputa.plantations@hotmail.com

Featured Location by www.landscapedesign.co.nz

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