GIANT BROMELIAD QUEEN OF THE ANDES Puya Raimondii

Puya raimondii, also known as queen of the Andes, is the largest species of bromeliad, its inflorescences reaching up to 15 m (50 ft) in height, with a rosette of about two hundred linear leaves, these up to 1.25 m (4 ft) long and about 8 cm (3 in) in width, the leaf spines reaching 1 cm (3⁄8 in) long. The inflorescence (flowers) can measure between 4–8 m (13–26 ft) tall. The whole plant may reach as much as 15 m (50 ft) tall. A single plant can produce between 8,000  and 20,000 flowers in a 3-month period.

Type: Perennial

Height: 15m or 50'

Hardiness zones: 9-10

Seeds per pack: 5

Germination: Sow seeds in a pot at any time, covering them lightly with sand, and keep the pot in a well-lit spot outdoors. Artificial heat is not needed and can prevent germination. Patience is required as many seeds will only germinate in the spring after winter.