PUSHING THE BORDERS

A couple of years ago Bob Brown was selling plants as Ochagavia carnea that looked larger and had broader leaves than my plant. He had grown them from seed he collected himself, and he later corrected the name to Puya spathacea.
After a few years in obscurity in the greenhouse it has now come into flower.


Puya spathacea 1, 120613 by John Jearrard, on Flickr


Puya spathacea 5, 120613 by John Jearrard, on Flickr

Did anyone else try it, and can anybody confirm the name?


Puya spathacea 9, 120613 by John Jearrard, on Flickr

If it's any help, it has broad greyish leaves with tiny black spines spaced rather widely along the margins.

Can't help with a name but unlike most Puya's I almost like this one!

Looks about right for spathacea - they've got it coming into flower at Hill House as well . It seemed to be doing the rounds a few years ago and was available under various names (or not) at several nurseries. One of those plants that I'll content myself with seeing in other gardens and not mine. 1 Puya clump is enough for me ... probably too much judging by the scars on my legs :shock: