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Sunday, November 13, 2016

Cactus choices for flowers



Argentine Hedgehog

It is easy to forget how dramatic our desert cactus are. For most of the year, they just kind of sit there and blend in with the desert. Cactus make great additions to desert landscaping even when they are not blooming, but if flowers are what you are after, here are some stunning choices.










Engelmann's Prickly Pear

The Engelmann’s Prickly Pear is one of our most common cactus species. The bright yellow flowers are following by red fruits relished by birds.

Santa Rita Prickly Pear

The Santa Rita Prickly Pear is named after the Santa Rita Mountains in Southern Arizona. The purple pads add color even when the plant is not sporting yellow flowers. It’s interesting to note that botanists don’t really know exactly why the pads are purple. Some think it’s tied to cold weather, some to drought stress, others to genetics. Whatever the reason, if pays to buy a very purple one to begin with.


Engelmann’s Hedgehog is a notable native, with stunning magenta flowers on a small, compact plant.

Look to the pincushion species for flower shows to rival all others. Hot pink flowers are easy to spot from long distances, even though the plant is under 6 inches tall.

Arizona Fishhook

The stately sahuaro is a summer bloomer, with white flowers appearing on the top, sides and arms. Pollinated by bats, these flowers produce delicious fruits still harvested the traditional way by Native Americans.

Although not a native, the Argentine Giant handles heat and cold, but it does prefer part shade in the hot desert. The flowers are white, and up to six inches across. The Argentine Hedgehog is another hardy cactus from the same region. Taller than other hedgehog species, the stems reach up to two feet tall. The flowers are an amazing red-orange, and also up to six inches across.

Cactus need little care, and will suffer if you give them too much care. Avoid watering cactus in the ground unless they are drought stressed. Container cactus, however do need water—weekly in the summer if they are in full sun.