About
An evergreen, terrestrial bromeliad, with narrow, arching, dark green leaves with spines along the margins making a clump about 60cm high. In summer produces tall, dense spikes of metallic turquoise to almost black flowers with orange anthers.
About the genus
Puya are evergreen, terrestrial, perennial herbs with leathery, typically spiny, leaves forming dense rosettes. Native to Central and South America
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeHerbaceous Perennial, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Sub-tropical
Care notes
CultivationUnder glass grow in terrestrial bromeliad compost in full light. Water moderately when in active growth in mid-spring to late summer and apply a low nitrogen fertiliser every 6-8 weeks. In warm, sheltered gardens grow plants outdoors in a sunny spot in sharply draining soil and protect from winter wet
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed sown at 19-24°C as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceSusceptible to root rots in wet soils