Puya
alpestris is a beautiful plant for the cactus garden or for the gray
garden. The prickly arching leaves are a show in themselves.
For several years the clump will gradually enlarge until it is about 2
feet tall. Usually by this time several pups have started.
In the spring Puya alpestris produces this Sapphire tower of blooms.
This is a most extraordinary color with the deepest sapphire blue and a
green overtone. The Sapphire Tower rises up to 4 feet above the
foliage and produces huge numbers of these exotic blossoms. They are
a great plant for attracting
hummingbirds. Puya alpestris is hardy into the low 20's.
They can readily be propagated from seed. Though it takes a long
time to produce a plant substantial enough to be put out into the
garden. I have had trouble in gardens with rabbits. The
rabbits will shear off all of the Puya alpestris leaves as they are
produced.
High resolution images of
Puya alpestris are available.
