About
This evergreen, terrestrial bromeliad to 2m with stout stems each ending in a spreading rosette of tough, narrow, silver leaves up to 60cm long with hooked spines along the margins. In summer, mature plants produce narrow, tubular, dark blue flowers clustered in upright spikes 40cm or more tall.
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, East-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread1.5-2.5 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesCity and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Sub-tropical, Architectural, Mediterranean climate plants
Native toC Chile
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. Plants will tolerate temperatures below 0°C for brief periods if acclimatised to cool winter conditions. 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