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| Category: Succulent |
| Family: Bromeliaceae (Bromeliads) |
| Origin: Chile (South America) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: Purple |
| Bloomtime: Summer |
| Synonyms: [P. coerulea var. violacea, Hort.] |
| Height: 2-3 feet |
| Width: Spreading |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 20-25° F |
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Puya coerulea var. coerulea (Silver Puya) - This is a large rosette forming succulent with very attractive silver-white leaves in rosettes to 2 feet across and stout spikes bearing dark purple flowers in late spring. Plant in full sun. No irrigation required in coastal garden. Has proven hardy to short duration temperatures to 18° F. This plant is a bit of a mystery. It has been circulating around in Southern California for 30 years, ocassionally labeled Puya coerulea var. violacea which, though similar, has leaves that are not nearly as white. This plant is tagged as Puya coerulea var. violacea at the Huntington Botanic Garden (HBG 20943) though there has long been discussion that this name is incorrect and Huntington desert garden curator John Trager has told us that they now consider the correct name to be Puya coerulea var. coerulea. Our plants came from the garden of noted tropical botanist Sherwin Carlquist who received this plant in the 1960's from the late Will Beitell, UCSB greenhouse manager and Santa Barbara City arborist.
This description of this plant is based on our research and our observations of it growing at the nursery, in our own garden and in other gardens. We always appreciate receiving feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or have additional cultural tips that would aid others growing Puya coerulea var. coerulea .
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