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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
