About
An evergreen terrestrial bromeliad forming rosettes of narrow, toothed, arching leaves that are coloured green to greyish-green and often tinted pinkish-red in sun. Mature rosettes produce upright flowering stems in summer to around 1m tall with dense clusters of tubular blue flowers surrounded by pale pink bracts that gradually darken to bright red.
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 hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1-1.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical, Patio and container plants
Native toBolivia to N W Argentina
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