It escapes me, but I know it as a house plant and you appear to have it growing outdoors!

My goodness it doesn't look real, i'm interested in the replies

Half the reason for my slightly inane comment Pamg is that I can now keep an eye on this.........

I'm sure that it's one of the Bromeliads, but don't hold me to that.

Me too! I'd like to know!

Blue tango bromeliad

http://www.flickr.com/photos/sheepbackcabin/5484670780/

As already said in this country it is a house plant not hardy. Apparently it is a sterile hybrid.

Thanks Moongrower, its quite dramatic

And that one does seem to be outdoors...!

All I can say is "WOW!"

If that's really in the ground...I'm getting one!!

It is in the ground :) It's in my garden right now (owned by my parents as I'm still living at their house). My Mum has passed away so I couldn't ask her. Yes Bromeliad! I now remember. I heard you can use a part of the plant and plant it somewhere else in the garden and it can grow another. Thanks so much for replying!!

I should also say I live in Australia, so the climate here might be good for them.

Ah! That explains it! No good for the ground on the other side of the world, then...

I'm so glad you found out, Bella, they mean such a lot to you. :)

Thank you :) they do mean a lot to me. We had them all around for my mums funeral. I just couldn't remember the name.

They might work in the ground here, though! I'll have to look for one, though it will probably need shade, here.

Saw the exact one today at Gardeners WORLD Live at NEC..the label said "Blue Rain"- very impressive plant! Thought you`d used trick photography till I saw it for myself...dfinately a WOW plant, not surprised it was one of your mum`s favourites!