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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

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) — It's important to note that this plant may take several years before it blooms; succulent for full, image 75
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — typically flowering in late spring to early summer; it is hardy to about 20°F (-6.7°C) but should be, image 74
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — The inflorescence holds numerous turquoise-blue flowers with bright orange anthers; the plant forms a rosette of, image 72
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — a rare color combination that makes it a showstopper, image 73
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — Puya alpestris requires well-drained soil and thrives in full sun; the inflorescence holds numerous, image 77
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — It is hardy to about 20°F (-6.7°C) but should be protected from heavy frosts; is a strikingly unique, image 80
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — It is drought-tolerant once established; making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and arid, image 78
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and arid landscaping schemes; succulent with blue and green, image 79
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — Adding a mulch layer can provide additional cold protection; making it an eye-catching addition to any garden, image 81

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