This South American wonder will continue to flower for several weeks

Encinitas CA— 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.

This year, we anticipate a ‘Sapphire Tower Superbloom’ in the Garden, as at least a dozen other inflorescences (clusters of flower buds arranged on a spike) have been spotted by our Horticulture Team at the Garden.

The Sapphire Tower that is currently in bloom is located in our South American Garden. According to Dave Ehrlinger, former horticulture director at the Garden, the Sapphire Towers at the Garden were most likely planted by Ruth Larabee, former owner of the property, that now houses more than 5,000 species of plants in 29uniquely-themed gardens over 37 acres.

If visitors would like to take home either a Puya alpestris (with bright turquoise flowers) or Puya chilensis (with beautiful yellow flowers) to plant in their gardens, these plants are available for purchase at the Garden’s Gift Shop! These plants for sale were propagated right here at the Garden, and are not available in any other nursery or plant shop in San Diego! If you live in San Diego County, these plants will do well in your back yard.