Here is a picture of bromeliads in my yard being used as groundcover. I started with just one plant several years ago. This variety "pups" (produces new plants) generously, hence the growing size of the bed.
My plant is from the neoregelia family, grown for its attractive leaf color and foliage pattern. Unlike the broms frequently seen at the local fairs, however, neoregelias don't produce a showy bloom. There are hundreds of neoregelia species.
The tree canopy protects them on most of our colder nights here in The Villages. However, when a freeze is predicted, I do cover them with a sheet. Otherwise, some of the leaves get burned and stay that way. I view it as a small effort to protect their beauty for the rest of the year.
