Puya dyckioides

RHS Plant Profile
Dyckia-like puya
Conservatory Greenhouse Herbaceous Perennial

An evergreen terrestrial bromeliad forming rosettes of narrow, toothed, arching leaves that are coloured green to greyish-green and often tinted pinkish-red in sun. Mature rosettes produce upright flowering stems in summer to around 1m tall with dense clusters of tubular blue flowers surrounded by pale pink bracts that gradually darken to bright red

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
5–10 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H4
Drought Resistance
Yes

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Bromeliaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
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
Bolivia to N W Argentina

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
  • Gravel garden
  • Mediterranean climate plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Patio and container plants
  • Low Maintenance
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Wall side borders

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to scale insects

Diseases

Susceptible to root rots in wet soils