Unearthly-Looking Sapphire Tower (Puya Alpestris)
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Unearthly-looking Sapphire Tower (Puya alpestris) Now In Bloom at San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas
This South American wonder will continue to flower for about 2 more weeks
Characterized by unearthly, metallic-looking, deep turquoise blooms, that are punctuated by bright orange anthers, the Puya alpestris, commonly known as the Sapphire Tower, looks like nothing else in the plant world.
This striking flower that often causes visitors to say ‘Is this REAL?’ is now in bloom at the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. A native plant of South America, this Chilean species is a member of the pineapple family, with flowers measuring 2” across with a number of them blooming up an 18” spike (or tower) over a 2-3 week time frame.
It has been 2 years since this Sapphire Tower, located in the South American Desert Garden, has bloomed at San Diego Botanic Garden. According to former Horticulture Director Dave Ehrlinger, these specimens were most likely planted by Ruth Larabee, former owner of the property that now houses more than 4,000 species of plants in 29 uniquely themed gardens over 37 acres.
About San Diego Botanic Garden The San Diego Botanic Garden is a beautiful urban retreat nestled on 37-acres in the midst of Encinitas. Visitors enjoy restful vistas, flowering trees, majestic palms, and the nation’s largest bamboo collection. Thanks to our mild Southern California climate, plants from all over the world thrive here. Our diverse topography provides a wide variety of microclimates giving visitors the sensation of strolling through a tropical rainforest to hiking in the desert. Four miles of trails wind through 29 uniquely themed gardens including the acclaimed Hamilton Children’s Garden. In addition, the Garden regularly offers classes covering many topics including water conservation, fire-safe landscaping, hands-on flower and plant arranging, art in various media, and healthy cooking. Visitors and members also participate in frequent special weekend events and Docent-led tours.