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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 10–11Type SucculentClimate Subtropical
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — the Sapphire Tower is a remarkable addition to the discerning horticulturist's collection

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Low
USDA zones
10–11

Shape & size

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

Classification

Type
Succulent
Family
Bromeliaceae
Climate
Subtropical

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Photos (101)

Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — Sapphire Tower produces a towering flower spike; typically flowering in late spring to early summer
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — which can shoot up to between 6-10 feet tall
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — Puya alpestris requires well-drained soil and thrives in full sun
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — These pointed leaves give it a dramatic; and spiky leaves that can reach a width of up to 2 feet and a height, image 68
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — Adding a mulch layer can provide additional cold protection
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) — It is hardy to about 20°F (-6.7°C) but should be protected from heavy frosts; is a strikingly unique perennial plant
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — providing an exotic focal point in xeriscape designs; the Sapphire Tower is a remarkable addition to the, image 62
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — the Sapphire Tower is a remarkable addition to the discerning horticulturist's collection; blue and green flowers in the
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — These pointed leaves give it a dramatic; and spiky leaves that can reach a width of up to 2 feet and a height between 1.5-3
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) — Puya alpestris requires well-drained soil and thrives in full sun; the inflorescence holds numerous turquoise-blue flowers
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — The plant forms a rosette of silver-green; with its stunning visual impact and low water needs
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — These pointed leaves give it a dramatic
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) — making it an excellent choice for water-wise gardens and arid landscaping schemes
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — the spectacle is well worth the wait.<br><br>As a xerophytic plant; as a member of the Bromeliaceae family, it, image 76
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — succulent for full
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — which can shoot up to between 6-10 feet tall; adding a mulch layer can provide additional cold protection
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — typically flowering in late spring to early summer; it is hardy to about 20&deg;F (-6.7&deg;C) but should be, image 74
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — blue and green flowers in the garden
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — typically flowering in late spring to early summer; it is hardy to about 20&deg;F (-6.7&deg;C) but should be protected from
Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris) — It's important to note that this plant may take several years before it blooms
Photographs by 8 contributors

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