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    • Photo of Puya alpestris flower by Far Out Flora

    Photo by Far Out Flora

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Puya alpestris

    Also Known As

    • Puya whytea
    • Sapphire Tower

    Plant type

    cactus / succulent, bromeliad

    size

    • H: 4'-5'
    • W: 4'-5'

    planting zones

    • 9a-10b

    More Options

    Puya alpestris plant details

    Puya alpestris is an evergreen bromeliad or cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring blue flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Puya alpestris

    Plant type: bromeliad or cactus / succulent
    Plant family: bromeliaceae
    Foliage: evergreen green
    Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 4 FT - 5 FT - tall
    Flowers: blue blooms in spring
    Uses: container plant, rosette-forming, spiky

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Puya alpestris

    USDA Zones: 9a - 10b
    Sun exposure: sun
    Watering frequency: occasional - low
    Resistant to: verticillium wilt
    Soil needs: well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    This amazing succulent has shocking, sapphire-blue flowers held on 4-5 ft spikes over rosettes of spiny leaves. Despite their made-out-of-plastic appearance, they are the "real deal." Think spiky bromeliad, 'cause that's what it is. Leaves are 2-3 ft long, narrow and arching, green above and silver beneath, with spines along the margins. Drought tolerant, but some summer water is a good thing. Full sun and good drainage, of course. Frost hardy to 25 degrees F, mid USDA zone 9, perhaps lower with the perfect micro climate.

    By: Cistus Nursery

    Gardening facts about Puya alpestris plant

    How to Grow Puya alpestris

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun

    • Water Needs

      • occasional - drought tolerant

    • Soil Needs

      • well-drained

    • Special Situation

      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • green

    • Flower Color

      • blue

    • Flower Season

      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen

    • Texture

      • glaucous

    See other plant types of Puya for your garden

    Puya coerulea

    aka Silver Puya

    Plant Type

    Cactus / Succulent

    Zones

    9a-10b

    Size

    Height: 2'-3'

    Width: 2'-3'

    • sun - mostly sun
    • low - drought tolerant
    Photo of Puya coerulea close-up, flower by pabloendemico
    View Plant

    Puya alpestris ssp. zoellneri

    aka Puya berteroniana, Blue Puya, Turquoise Puya

    Plant Type

    Perennial, Bromeliad

    Zones

    8b-11

    Size

    Height: 3'-12'

    Width: 3'-15'

    • sun
    • occasional - drought tolerant
    Photo of Puya alpestris ssp. zoellneri flower, form by Far Out Flora
    View Plant

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    Puya chilensis

    Plant Type

    Cactus / Succulent, Bromeliad

    Zones

    7b-9b

    Size

    Height: 18"

    Width: 36"

    • sun - mostly sun
    • dry in winter
    Photo of Puya chilensis flower, form, mass-planting by plant lust
    View Plant

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    Puya laxa

    aka Hay Stack Puya

    Plant Type

    Cactus / Succulent, Bromeliad

    Zones

    9b-11

    Size

    Height: 12"-24"

    Width: 24"-48"

    • sun - mostly sun
    • occasional - drought tolerant
    Photo of Puya laxa foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials
    View Plant

    More Options

    Puya raimondii

    Plant Type

    Cactus / Succulent

    Zones

    9a-11

    Size

    Height: 30'-40'

    Width: 20'-30'

    • sun
    • regular
    Photo of Puya raimondii flower by Dick Culbert
    View Plant

    More Options

    +19 more Puya
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