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Conservatory GreenhouseHerbaceous Perennial

Puya venusta

An evergreen, bromeliad forming clumps of rosettes of narrow greenish to silvery-grey leaves edged with sharp, inward-pointing teeth. Mature plants produce branching red flower stems in summer that arise from the centre of the leaf rosette bearing clusters of three-petalled, tubular, blue-purple flowers with reddish-pink bracts

© John Fielding
© John Fielding
© John Fielding
© John Fielding
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
5–10 years
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Grey Silver Green
Summer Blue Purple Red Pink Grey Silver Green
Autumn Grey Silver Green
Winter Grey Silver Green
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H3
Botanical details
Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
Genus

Puya are evergreen, terrestrial, perennial herbs with leathery, typically spiny, leaves forming dense rosettes. Native to Central and South America

Name status

Correct

Plant range
Chile

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How to grow

Cultivation

Under 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

Propagation

Propagate by seed sown at 19-24°C as soon as ripe

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Architectural
  • City and courtyard gardens
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Gravel garden
  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Susceptible to root rots in wet soils

Get involved

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