Photo of Puya laxa foliage by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Photo by Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Puya laxa

Also Known As

  • Hay Stack Puya

Plant type

cactus / succulent, bromeliad

size

  • H: 12"-24"
  • W: 24"-48"

planting zones

  • 9b-11

More Options

Puya laxa plant details

Puya laxa is an evergreen bromeliad or cactus / succulent with blue and white foliage. In summer black flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Puya laxa

Plant type: bromeliad or cactus / succulent
Plant family: bromeliaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and white
Mature size: 24 IN - 48 IN - wide, 12 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: black blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, rare, rock garden, rosette-forming, spiky, unique, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Puya laxa

USDA Zones: 9b - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A terrestrial bromeliad that forms upright rosettes of thin, succulent blueish leaves covered in long white fur. Tall spikes of nearly black flowers emerge from the center of the rosette! A true xerophyte; requires very little as far as cultivation. Looks good with care but use caution regarding overwatering.
Strange & spooky, with hairy, spiny leaves & black flowers – I would call this Puya both otherworldly & UNDERworldy! Each 1’ wide rosette has long leaves, armed with rows of hooked teeth & a surface that’s weirdly wooly. The blooms are borne on 3’+ sprays with reddish stems. The deep blue-black flowers are loosely spaced. At around 4’ wide (smaller in a container), it can be more easily placed in the garden than some of its more heavy-set brethren. I would also say it has the most attractive leaves of any Puya. Huzzah! One of the more obvious perks of Puyas- they make GREAT barrier plants!! So much prettier than barbed wire! Choose a dry site with good drainage for this Bolivian bromeliad.

By: Annie's Annuals & Perennials

Gardening facts about Puya laxa plant

How to Grow Puya laxa

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • white
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • black
  • Wildlife

    • deer resistant
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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