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Puya berteroniana, the Blue Puya, is one of the largest
genera in the Pineapple Family, Bromeliaceae. Most of its
species are concentrated along the Andes mountain range
of South America, some at altitudes up to nearly 5000
metres. Very few Puya species have become popular in
cultivation. It can reach 6-10 feet tall.
The Blue Puya shows full beauty of colour and form in
every way and appears to be from another world. The large
flower stalks of this plant rise from the masses of
curling, silvery foliage, displaying deep turquoise blue
flowers, 2" in diameter, and in the centre of the
flowers, beaming out, are the highly contrasting orange
anthers attracting birds, bees and other insects.
Hardiness zones 8-11, (4°C/40°F,-10°C/15°F) in Winter.
Puya berteroniana, the Blue Puya, is one of the
Southernmost species of Puya and consequently more frost-hardy
than many of the other species.
They are easily grown outside with no protection in lower
zone 8. In colder areas plant in a container. It enjoys
very dry, well drained sandy soil. Grow in full sun or
part shade.
The seed can be directly sown. Procure light and warm
temperature and a moist to dry soil. Grow like cacti.
Germination is usually fairly quick, 2-4 weeks, maybe
more, don't give up.
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