We like to think we’re a patient bunch at Secret Birmingham… Okay, maybe not, we’re all about instant gratification, but even we’ll admit this flower in bloom might’ve been worth the wait. You’ve not got long left to see the Puya alpestris in Birmingham Botanical Gardens though.
Brought over from the Chilean Andes, it arrived at the Gardens over 20 years ago, but this otherworldly plant can take up to a decade to flower before it then dies. Puya alpestris, also known as the sapphire tower, began blooming last week and it doesn’t last very long either – with visitors being encouraged to visit this week.
“It is very slow-growing, so to witness its spectacular blooms is both exciting and rare,” says Alberto Trinco, Senior Glasshouse Horticulturist. “Hopefully, pollinating the flowers with the brush to obtain seeds will allow us to secure the presence of this amazing species in our collection for future generations to come and admire.”
In the wild, the sapphire tower thrives in mountainous regions, at elevations of up to 2,200 metres. Puya alpestris, which is actually distantly related to the pineapple, is recognisable for its “alien-like appearance, coupled with its spectacularly coloured hues.” It relies on hummingbirds to collect its nectar-rich pollen.
There aren’t any hummingbirds in Birmingham Botanical Gardens, however, to help out during this rare event. So Alberto will be delicately using a small paintbrush to collect its precious pollen. There won’t be another opportunity until maybe 2034 to do it again!
Alberto adds, “Each flower only lasts a few days, giving us a limited window of time to give nature a helping hand. In the absence of its natural pollinators, we will attempt some hand pollination instead.” Ensure you see the Puya alpestris by heading down to Birmingham Botanical Gardens within the week. You can learn more about visiting here.