About
Puya mirabilis, the wonderful puya, is an evergreen bromeliad producing loose rosettes of long, narrow, stiff, pale grey-green or bronzy-green leaves edged with fine teeth. Mature rosettes produce stout flower stems bearing yellow-green, bell-shaped flowers up to 10 cm long, followed by green fruits containing winged seeds. A bold, architectural plant for a sunny, frost-free garden.
About the genus
Puya are large, dramatic, evergreen, terrestrial bromeliads from Central and South America forming clumps or individual rosettes of leathery, typically spiny leaves and producing tall flower stems with bell-shaped flowers in green, yellow or blue. Grown as architectural specimen plants in sunny, frost-free gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH2
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.5-1 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, City and courtyard gardens, Sub-tropical
Native toArgentina & Bolivia
Care notes
CultivationGrow in a container in terrestrial bromeliad compost. Water moderately when in active growth in mid-spring to late summer and apply a low nitrogen fertiliser every 6-8 weeks. Can stand outdoors in a sheltered, sunny position in summer; otherwise grow in good light in a warm greenhouse
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 19-24°C as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rots in wet soils