Full of color!   The Pink Puya - Puya dyckioides - is a beautiful, rare Pineapple relative from Argentina that's rarely seen in cultivation.  Not only do the flowers have a gorgeous color combination, but the colors deepen as the cluster matures!  Unlike most Puya plants, which have very sharp, painful thorns, this one has smaller thorns that are more "gardener-friendly"!  This exotic Bromeliad happens to be easy to grow, and reportedly can tolerate some frost.

The Pink Puya has a grass-like appearance, forming a rosette of slender, arching leaves about 3 feet long.  It sends out a large flower stalk about 3 feet long that arches outward for easy viewing.  Most of the stalk is covered with flowers, each about an inch long.  This is an "extra pink" form of the species from northern Argentina.  The bracts start out a gorgeous flamingo-pink and slowly mature to a glowing lobster-red!  The petals can range in color from turquoise-green to violet, with bright orange anthers and pollen.  Most Puyas bloom only in spring, but this one can bloom from spring through late autumn.

Over the years, it forms a large colony of offsets, which may be separated and grown in pots.  A common complaint of Puya species are the large, sharp thorns, but this one has smaller thorns that don't usually draw blood like other Puyas.  Be patient with the Pink Puya, as it will reach flowering size at about 6-7 years old.  You'll be rewarded for your patience with dazzling, large flower clusters year after year.

Unlike the tree-dwelling Bromeliads, it has fully-functioning roots and should be grown in soil.  Mature plants reportedly can take take winter temperatures of 12-16°F (-9 to -11°C).  Protect young plants from frost the first couple of years.  It enjoys sun, but it might appreciate some afternoon shade in hotter climates.  Give it a fast-draining soil mix.  A typical mix is 1 part potting soil to 1 part perlite or coarse sand.  In wet-winter areas, use extra perlite or sand.  While it can tolerate drought, it looks the best when given adequate water throughout summer.  In the right conditions, it is very easy.

Unfortunately, counterfeit Puya seeds have emerged from China.  I guarantee that my plants & seeds are genuine!

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Germination tips for this plant