The mission of the Garden
is to inspire people of
all ages to connect with
plants and nature.
Plant of the Month
Photos: Rachel Cobb
Puya alpestris
Common Name: Sapphire Tower
Distribution: Native to Chile
Growth Habit: The long spiky leaves form a grassy-like clump up to three feet tall and six feet across. The bloom spikes rise three to four feet above the foliage.
Cultural Requirements: These plants tolerate wind and light frost. Grow in full sun for best bloom and shape. They require good soil drainage. Sapphire Towers have low water needs and grow well in dry conditions.
Uses/Features: Sapphire Tower have spectacular flower spikes up to three feet tall with dozens of flowers that are colored an electric blue-green or teal green. This blue -green flowers dramatically contrast with orange and chartreuse flower parts in the center of the flowers. Hummingbirds love the abundant nectar that is produced.
