This is a close look at the rare Ochagavia litoralis.  This beautiful Pineapple relative comes from central Chile.  It is a soil-dwelling Bromeliad that makes an exotic, 4 inch cluster of flowers in late summer.  It is easy to grow and is reportedly cold-hardy down to the low-20s (-5°C).  Stored seeds don't germinate well, so i offer fresh seeds and established plants.

Ochagavia litoralis is a terrestrial Bromeliad that forms a rosette of spiny leaves about 12 inches long.  Its compact size makes it an excellent potted plant.  Over time, it makes multiple pups, which may be separated once they form roots.  The blooms appear around September here in San Francisco.  The large cluster has lovely pink petals and bracts, and bright orange stamens, which open from the outside of the cluster inward.  The plant is sometimes called Ochagavia carnea, but the correct name is Ochagavia litoralis according to a botanical journal.

It comes from a mild climate with cool nights.  I have no information on how it will do in hot climates.  Consider it experimental in areas that regularly get above 85 degrees F (29°C) with nights that are warm.  It reportedly can handle down to the low 20s (-5°C), although it's probably best to protect it from prolonged frost.  It grows well in a pot in ordinary cactus soil.  While it is drought-tolerant, it grows best when given adequate water.  It doesn't mind heavy rainfall provided that it's in fast-draining soil.  Full sun is best, except in hotter conditions, where some afternoon shade may be needed.  In the right conditions, it's an easy, low-maintenance plant.

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