Sapphire Tower

Puya Alpestris

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Overview

Puya alpestris, commonly known as Sapphire Tower, is a striking evergreen perennial native to Chilean slopes. It features a rosette of narrow, silver-green leaves reaching 2-3 feet in length and armed with hooked spines along the edges. This plant's crowning glory is its impressive turquoise-blue flowers on a 5-6 foot tall spike that blooms in late spring to early summer, providing an exotic focal point in xeriscape designs.

Sun FullWater LowZones 10–11Climate Subtropical

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — Puya alpestris, commonly known as Sapphire Tower, is a striking evergreen perennial native to Chilean slopes

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — providing an exotic focal point in xeriscape designs

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — It features a rosette of narrow

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — known botanically as Puya alpestris

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — is a strikingly unique perennial plant indigenous to the Chilean Andes

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — Puya alpestris, commonly known as Sapphire Tower, is a striking evergreen perennial native to Chilean slopes

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — As a member of the Bromeliaceae family, it boasts one of the most spectacular blooms in the plant kingdom

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Low
USDA zones: 10–11

Shape & size

Mature height: 2–3 Ft.
Mature width: 3–5 Ft.

Classification

Family: Bromeliaceae
Climate: Subtropical

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Photos (81)

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — silver-green leaves reaching 2-3 feet in length and armed with hooked spines along the edges

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — providing an exotic focal point in xeriscape designs

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — It features a rosette of narrow

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — known botanically as Puya alpestris

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — is a strikingly unique perennial plant indigenous to the Chilean Andes

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — Puya alpestris, commonly known as Sapphire Tower, is a striking evergreen perennial native to Chilean slopes

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — As a member of the Bromeliaceae family, it boasts one of the most spectacular blooms in the plant kingdom

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — Sapphire Tower produces a towering flower spike

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — These pointed leaves give it a dramatic

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — and spiky leaves that can reach a width of up to 2 feet and a height between 1.5-3 feet

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — The plant forms a rosette of silver-green

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — which can shoot up to between 6-10 feet tall

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — typically flowering in late spring to early summer

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — a rare color combination that makes it a showstopper

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — The inflorescence holds numerous turquoise-blue flowers with bright orange anthers

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — It's important to note that this plant may take several years before it blooms

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — making it an eye-catching addition to any garden

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — It is hardy to about 20°F (-6.7°C) but should be protected from heavy frosts

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — It is drought-tolerant once established

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and arid landscaping schemes

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — Puya alpestris requires well-drained soil and thrives in full sun

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — the spectacle is well worth the wait.<br><br>As a xerophytic plant

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — creating a remarkable South American feel in a temperate landscape design

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — the Sapphire Tower is a remarkable addition to the discerning horticulturist's collection

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