About
An evergreen, perennial, bromeliad forming a rosette of spiny, narrow, greyish-green leaves with silvery-white undersides. In summer, club-like spikes of bright yellow flowers up to 2.4m tall may arise form the centre of mature leaf rosettes.
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 hardinessH3
Plant details
Plant typeConservatory Greenhouse, Herbaceous Perennial
HabitBushy
FoliageEvergreen
Height1.5-2.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height5-10 years
Suggested usesArchitectural, City and courtyard gardens, Gravel garden, Mediterranean climate plants, Patio and container plants
Native toArgentina
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. See bromeliad cultivation for further information
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed at 19-24°C as soon as ripe
Pest resistanceNew growth may be susceptible to scale insects
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to root rots in wet soils