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Puya
chilensis, or Puya coarctata locally known as Chagall,
originates from the arid hillsides of Chile. Puya is a
genus also found on the mountains and foothills of the
Andes.
These evergreen perennial are terrestrials bromeliads,
with strong root systems buried in the earth. The basic
form is a large rosette of slender, pale green, leaves
spines, pointing inward as well as outward, blade-like,
which make for a plant both striking and graceful. Over
the years they form extensive clumps, spreading along the
contours of the land, the rosettes standing up to 2m high.
Each spring the clumps of puyas send up great spikes, 2-3m
high, atop which cluster the flowers.
The actual flower head is about 1m long and packed with
racemes of chunky flowers, the sterile tips of which
sticks out, affording a perch for thirsty birds. The
individual waxy blooms are 6-8cms long, providing a deep
receptacle for the nectar that the birds, bees and even
some gardeners find so compelling. The individual Puya
flower is a thing of beauty and wonder. They are a
strident green-yellow, bright without being lurid, as if
lit from within.
There is a sinister aspect to the Puya: the margins of
the leaves are edged with fiendish, hooked thorns. These
are bad news for the weeding gardener and to the birds.
Plants should be handled with great care. Thick
protective clothing is recommended. Always plant away
from path edges and areas where children are likely to
play. Over time Puya chilensis can colonize large areas.
Hardiness zone: 9 -11, (-5°C/25°F, 4°C/40°F) in
winter. If grown outside it is able to withstand light
frosts and may even survive brief overnight temperatures
as low as -5 C. In colder regions it needs some winter
protection and is best either grown or brought inside
during winter. They will bloom the soonest if protected
from frost. During the summer, it's best to give
them some mid-day shade if it gets into the upper 90s or
above. It will tolerate some shade but is best grown
in full sun.
Water moderately whenever the soil is about 2/3 dry down
where the roots are. Avoid letting the soil completely
dry out, but don't let it stay soggy either. Never let
the pots sit in a tray of water. Also keep
them fairly dry during the winter, unless temperatures
are above freezing. Feed once a month during periods
of active growth, using an ordinary complete vegetable
fertilizer at 1/3 the recommended dose.
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