Puya dyckioides

We first became familiar with the hardy bromeliad Puya dyckioides on our 2002 Argentina trip, where plantsman Sean Hogan spotted it growing on a cliff around 10,000' elevation. We subsequently (2005) planted offspring in our garden which have grown vigorously ever since, experiencing temperatures of 7 degrees F with some leaf burn, but flowering was unaffected. The olive-green spiny leaves form a fast offsetting 2' tall x 4' wide patch in 5 years. Starting in early May (NC), the bizarre 30" tall, fleshy pink flower spikes with aquamarine tips top the clump. We have found Puya dyckioides to grow equally as well in full to part sun as long as the winter drainage is good.