I first became acquainted with Puya yakespala in 2002 in Argentina’s Salta province, where we found it growing on top of a very dry rocky mountain at 8,750′ elevation. The 3′ wide, silver-leaf, spiny rosettes wove themselves together to form thick 15′ wide patches. The flowers were amazing…8′ tall spikes looking like prehistoric clubs in bud, then opening to reveal some of the most amazing lime green sherbet flowers I’ve ever seen. From this elevation, there should be decent winter hardiness, although I’m unsure exactly how much. What we do know is that Puya yakespala does not like wet winters, so it is critical they be kept dry during the winter season…think roof overhangs, etc.
