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Turquoise Puya

 Can it be??  A BLUE Brugmansia??

 

Unfortunately there isn't a blue Brugmansia, but this is the next best thing!  Iochroma australis is a rare Brugmansia relative with miniature blue Angel's Trumpet flowers.  This 6 to 8 foot bush from Argentina becomes smothered with 2" blooms from spring through summer, creating a huge ball of blue.  In full bloom it is truly spectacular.   

Iochroma australis tends to lose its leaves in winter, but if grown indoors it will stay evergreen and flower year-round!  The plant prefers moderate temperatures and cooler nights, however there are reports of it growing in warmer areas like Florida, where it flowers during the cooler months.  Still, consider it experimental in very hot or dry areas.  It should be protected from frost, although it can probably survive a few degrees of frost.  It grows well indoors in a pot, as long as the air isn't too dry. 

 The plant litters the ground with a gorgeous carpet of blue flower petals!

Iochroma australis likes mostly-sunny conditions.  In warmer areas, it's best to give it some afternoon shade, and good air circulation.  It prefers moist, well-draining soil and regular feeding.  In the right conditions it is an easy plant.
Note that the leaves, flowers, and fruit are said to contain a toxin, so please keep small children away from the plant.

 

Click here to check availability.

For detailed growing tips about this plant, click here.

 

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Turquoise Puya

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