No photo today. Instead, I pose a question to gardeners. As you can see from a previous post this week, I have a fence strip where I have planted bromeliads with mixed success. I realize now that some areas of the fence strip get sun for a good portion of the day and it is that beating down hard sun in that area. Other plants in this same strip are in deep shade. The rest of the strip is all combinations available between too much light and too dark depending on the plant overhang and shadows crated by neighbors plants. Plus, anytime someone trims it can impact the light value of this area dramatically.
My question is this: Can anyone suggest a plant that is similar to bromeliads in shape and form (can even be taller) that withstands a myriad of light situations? I am looking for something to plant within the bromeliads that will A)fill in the blank spots, and b) possibly provide some cover for bromeliads. It's a narrow strip so the plants can't get any wider than say a foot and half at complete maturing. Height is not a big deal although some plants I have tried there (such as a shrimp plant) tend to hang over and get wide as they get tall. This strip is between a fence and a walkway that is used so I can't have anything impedeing traffic. When I say similar to the form of a brom, I guess I mean that "fountain" appearance.
The other side of the strip has been a delight to plant. It's mostly shade with late afternoon sun and I grow zanadu, bromeliads, peace lily, and anthrium (although they can die back if it gets too cold). I also have pots of orchids suspended in that area. It would be nice if there was some continuity to the two sides but I have never achieved this because of the difference in the growing environment. I hoped the broms would do that for me.
So, fellow garden bloggers, I have handed you a task. Are you up to it? Can you help me? More importantly, can you help my bromeliads? LOL Oh, and I did buy broms that are supposed to take sun but I guess they were not counting on the Florida sun!