Ok we have cats, dogs and dancing squirrels so - Back from holiday to find this Been in a planter for so long not a clue as to what it is, as you can see the leaves are like saw blades and attractive on their own but now to have this bloom ? Any ideas?
Looks to be some species of thorny Bromeliad . There are a lot of species. A you might send a photo to Kew ,or contact the botany department of a local university.
Spot on guys, many thanks Norm. Certainly didn't expect this given our climate. Now have to decide whether to look after it or just neglect it as I have done since day one. Dennis it is really mean, these leaves can draw blood no problem
Probably this. Most bromeliads don't exactly need tender love and care. They typically flower very infrequently (many years apart) so there's a good chance that your negligent attitude is exactly what it wants.
Many thanks, taken on holiday, the lad was feeling a bit poorly with an ear infection which was the perfect excuse for my wife to give him a cuddle, within seconds he was sound asleep. I've tried the not well card but never get the same reaction as Sandy