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.
It has been 2 years since this Sapphire Tower, located in the South American Desert Garden, has bloomed at San Diego Botanic Garden. According to former Horticulture Director Dave Ehrlinger, these specimens were most likely planted by Ruth Larabee, former owner of the property that now houses more than 4,000 species of plants in 29 uniquely themed gardens over 37 acres.