Overview
Puya raimondii is a bushy conservatory greenhouse in the genus Puya, part of the Bromeliaceae family, with evergreen foliage. It typically grows around 15 metres tall. Puya raimondii 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, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants and sub-tropical.
About
Puya raimondii, also known as the Queen of the Andes (English), titanka and ilakuash (Quechua) or puya de Raimondi (Spanish), is the largest species of bromeliad, its inflorescences reaching up to 15 m (50 ft) in height. It is native to the high Andes of Bolivia and Peru. Grow it in full sun and loam and sand soil. In UK gardens it is tender and needs frost-free protection over winter (RHS H2). It works well for city and courtyard gardens, patio and container plants, mediterranean climate plants and sub-tropical. It tolerates soil of any pH, well-drained conditions and south-facing and west-facing aspects. Plant in well-drained soil. Water during establishment.
Wikipedia contributors, CC BY-SA 4.0 — Puya raimondii
About the genus
Puya is a genus of the botanical family Bromeliaceae. It is the sole genus of the subfamily Puyoideae, and is composed of 226 species. These terrestrial plants are native to the Andes Mountains of South America and southern Central America.
Wikipedia contributors, "Puya (plant)", CC BY-SA 4.0 — Puya (plant)
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
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
Puya raimondii size, habit and characteristics
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 15 metres
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Mediterranean climate plants, Sub-tropical
Care notes
Pruning and caring for Puya raimondii
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed at 19-24°C as soon as ripe, or by division
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to scale insects
- Disease resistance
- Susceptible to root rots in wet soils
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best place to plant Puya raimondii?
Puya raimondii prefers full sun. It suits sheltered positions.
What soil does Puya raimondii need?
Puya raimondii grows best in loam and sand soil. It is happy in soil of any pH. Aim for soil that stays well-drained.
How big does Puya raimondii grow?
Puya raimondii reaches a height of 15 metres.
Is Puya raimondii hardy in the UK?
Puya raimondii 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 raimondii?
Propagate by seed at 19-24°C as soon as ripe, or by division.