This is a Guzmania, and is normally a house plant, since it cannot take direct sunlight, especially in the summer. Here is some growing info on it, although you may have a different type of guzmania that will tolerate less cold.

I keep mine outside, but I give them the most protection from sun that I can, as they burn very easily. I am also in a frost-free zone, and so they are in no danger from cold where I live.

I would not plant them in the ground in zone 8b unless it is very close to the house in a very shady spot that is protected from cold. You can keep it on the porch if you protect it from direct sun and bring it inside in the winter when there is a danger of frost. I repot mine in cactus soil, and they need a fair amount of water, but must have good drainage or else they will rot.

Here is a photo of one of mine that is blooming at the moment:

Thanks so much for the info! I will try and not kill it. :)

That's all good advice from Lars - Just to add a bit more regarding the plant in the picture. I would remove the old dead flower spike because as long as it's there it's draining sustenance from the Mother plant.

Guzmanias in general like lots of fertiliser and as your plant looks to be in poor condition I would foliar feed it each week with a half strength balanced foliar fertiliser to assist it in providing food for the developing pups, otherwise they will drain the Mother of nourishment and because they are still very small may even die along with the Mother who is already declining and needs all the help she can get.

What to foliar feed with? I don’t do houseplants.

thanks

Sorry but I don't know what's available in your country, but here in Australia I use one called Thrive but you could use any of the well balanced plant foods suitable for foliar feeding. Probably best to ask the horticulturist at your local nursery.