Overview
Puya boliviensis is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Puya, part of the Bromeliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. Puya boliviensis grows best in full sun, and tolerates loam and sand soils and any pH. Its UK hardiness is rated H2. Suggested uses include city and courtyard gardens, gravel garden, sub-tropical, architectural, mediterranean climate plants, low maintenance and wall side borders.
About
Puya boliviensis is a cultivar of the Puya genus, which comprises perennial, terrestrial herbs native to Central and South America. These plants are evergreen with leathery, often spiny leaves forming compact rosettes. Puya boliviensis has a bushy habit and thrives in full sun with a sheltered aspect, suitable for south, west, or east-facing positions. It prefers fertile, well-drained loam or sandy soils across a range of pH levels. This cultivar is hardy to UK zone H2 and is best grown in conservatories or greenhouses, offering interest during spring and summer seasons.
Growing conditions
Best soil and position for Puya
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing, East-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Puya boliviensis size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Sub-tropical, Architectural, Mediterranean climate plants, Low Maintenance, Wall side borders
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Puya boliviensis
- Propagation
- Seed sown at 19-24°C as soon as ripe
- Pest resistance
- Scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Root rots in wet soils
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Puya boliviensis?
Puya boliviensis prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Puya boliviensis need?
Puya boliviensis grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
Is Puya boliviensis hardy in the UK?
Puya boliviensis has an RHS hardiness rating of H2, meaning it is tender, tolerating 1–5°C, and needs frost-free protection over winter.
How do I propagate Puya boliviensis?
Seed sown at 19-24°C as soon as ripe.
