Puya alpestris, commonly known as the Sapphire Tower or Queen of the Andes, is a striking and unique bromeliad (same family as pineapple) native to the high-altitude regions of the Andes Mountains in South America. This plant is known for its spectacular, architectural structure, vibrant flowers, and spiky foliage. 
 
Puya alpestris forms a rosette of stiff, arching leaves that are arranged in a spiral fashion, creating a visually appealing, architectural structure. The leaves are narrow, long, and typically have sharp, spiky edges, providing the plant with a distinctive appearance.
 
This bromeliad is known for its impressive size. The rosette can reach a diameter of several feet, and the flowering spike can extend even higher, reaching up to 10 feet or more.
 
The leaves of Puya alpestris are usually gray-green or bluish-green, contributing to its common name, Sapphire Tower. The coloration, along with the spiky structure, makes it an eye-catching ornamental plant.
 
Flowering Spike: The most dramatic feature of Puya alpestris is its tall flowering spike. This spike emerges from the center of the rosette and bears numerous tubular, blue to purple flowers. The flowers are arranged in dense clusters, creating a stunning visual display. The flowering process is relatively slow and can take several weeks to fully unfold.
 
Puya alpestris is native to high-altitude regions in the Andes, where it can be found at elevations of 8,000 to 12,000 feet (2,400 to 3,600 meters). It is adapted to withstand harsh mountainous conditions, including cold temperatures and rocky soils.
 
In cultivation, Puya alpestris is often grown as an ornamental plant in gardens with well-draining soil. It prefers full sun but can tolerate some shade. While it is hardy to cold temperatures, protection from severe frost is recommended. The plant is relatively slow-growing and may take several years to reach maturity and produce its impressive flowering spike.
 
The flowers of Puya alpestris are attractive to hummingbirds, which play a role in pollination.
 
Due to its unique characteristics and stunning appearance, Puya alpestris is a sought-after plant for succulent and bromeliad enthusiasts. 
 
Perennial zones 8-13. Plants can be moved indoors for winter in cooler climates.
 
This is for 10 seeds