Puya alpestris, commonly known as Sapphire Tower, is an evergreen succulent endemic to the semi-arid Andean foothills and sclerophyllous forests of Central Chile. It typically grows to a height of 1-3 feet and a width of 2-3 feet. This plant is adapted to xeric conditions, thriving in environments with low water availability. Sapphire Tower is notable for its striking turquoise to deep blue flowers, which bloom from late spring to early summer (October to December in its native habitat), and are highly attractive to pollinators such as hummingbirds. The flowers are densely packed on tall, erect spikes and are quite showy, making them a focal point in any garden setting. After flowering and seed set, the mother plant gradually perishes, a characteristic of monocarpic plants.

Sapphire Tower is valued for its unique flower color and architectural form, which adds an exotic touch to rock gardens, succulent collections, and xeriscapes. It is relatively easy to maintain, requiring minimal water once established and thriving in well-drained soils. Full sun exposure is ideal to promote vigorous growth and flowering. While it is generally pest-free, overwatering can lead to root rot. Gardeners should be aware that Puya alpestris can take several years to flower, but its dramatic bloom spike is worth the wait.CC BY-SA 4.0