Puya alpestris is an evergreen perennial native to Chile that forms 3-foot clumps. It has long green leaves with recurved thorns that form dense crowns resembling yucca. In summer, it produces spectacular blue-green flowers on dense 6-foot spikes, though it may take a few years to begin blooming. Puya alpestris grows best in full sun, well-drained soil, with moderate to occasional watering, and is hardy to 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Puya alpestris
Puya
Long green leaves have recurved thorns
and form dense, yucca-like crowns.
Spectacular, unearthly blue-green flowers
on dense spike to 6' in summer. May take
a few years to begin blooming.
Evergreen perennial
Native to Chile
3' clump
Sun
Well-drained soil
Moderate to occasional watering
Hardy to 15-20 ̊F
Use for bold display, borders.
suncrestnurseries.com
Puya alpestris
Puya
Long green leaves have recurved thorns
and form dense, yucca-like crowns.
Spectacular, unearthly blue-green flowers
on dense spike to 6' in summer. May take
a few years to begin blooming.
Evergreen perennial
Native to Chile
3' clump
Sun
Well-drained soil
Moderate to occasional watering
Hardy to 15-20 ̊F
Use for bold display, borders.
suncrestnurseries.com