Puya coerulea
blue puya
P. coerulea is an evergreen, terrestrial bromeliad to 2m with stout stems each ending in a spreading rosette of tough, narrow, silver leaves up to 60cm long with hooked spines along the margins. In summer, mature plants produce narrow, tubular, dark blue flowers clustered in upright spikes 40cm or more tall
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Size
Ultimate height
1.5–2.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Grey Silver | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue | Grey Silver | ||
| Autumn | Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H2Botanical 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
- C Chile
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. Plants will tolerate temperatures below 0°C for brief periods if acclimatised to cool winter conditions. 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
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Sub-tropical
- Architectural
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Low Maintenance
- Wall side borders
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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