This spectacular xeric terrestrial bromeliad comes from the subalpine screes and rock fells of central Chile. Large, mounding rosettes of steely silvery leaves (each to 2' or wider) are armed with savage, inward pointing spines that may trap anything that falls into the rosette. On large plants, spectacular steely blue flowers, the color of which really looks 'wrong' for anything found in nature, appear in quantity on person-height, stout stalks. These persist for a several months and are a magnet for hummingbirds. One of the hardiest Puyas, it will appreciate excellent drainage on gritty, gravelly soil and overhead cover from winter rains if possible. It can also be grown in a pot. Under xeric conditions, it should be able to survive down to at least 15°F.
