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Puya alpestris ssp. zoellneri

Blue Puya; Turquoise Puya

Plant photo of: Puya alpestris ssp. zoellneri
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Information by: UC Berkeley; plantlust.com        Photographer: chileanendemics.rbge.org.

 

Description

These gigantic terrestrial bromeliads are quite dramatic in and of themselves but their flowers are unforgettable. The inflorescence is typically 6.5' - 13' tall with many side-branches. The lower part of each branch is densely packed with large flowers of an incredible metallic blue-green color, which contrasts strikingly with the orange pollen. Flowering time is spring with blooms lasting for several months. Foliage is beautiful but armed with thorns. Established plants are drought tolerant and require little maintenance. It does best in full sun with well draining, gravel soil.

 

Plant Type

Perennial

Height Range

6-12', 12-25'

Width Range

Flower Color

Blue, Orange

Flower Season

Spring

Leaf Color

Green

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

n/a

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Soil Type

Rocky

Soil Condition

Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

Attracts Bees, Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Specimen, Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Spring

Location Uses

Background, Perennial Border, Roadside, Walls / Fences

Special Uses

Container, Cut Flowers, Erosion Control, Hedge, Screen

Attracts Wildlife

Birds, Hummingbirds

Water Saving Tip:

Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems.

Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.