Puya alpestris
mountain puya
P. alpestris is an evergreen, terrestrial bromeliad, with narrow, arching, dark green leaves with spines along the margins making a clump about 60cm high. In summer produces tall, dense spikes of metallic turquoise to almost black flowers with orange anthers
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Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical 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
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
- Mediterranean climate plants
- City and courtyard gardens
- Gravel garden
- Sub-tropical
- 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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