A large, branching columnar cactus from South America with smooth blue-green stems and only short spines. It grows into an almost treelike form, opens big white flowers on summer nights and is one of the easiest columnar cactus to grow in the Valley.
Living with it in the Phoenix Valley
Watering
Follow the cactus guidance in our Landscape Care guide, which means watering by hand only when the plant needs it. Soak deeply when you do water, then let the soil dry out completely. Damp, poorly drained soil is the main cause of rot.
Pruning
Little is needed. Remove awkward or crossing branches to control size, and let cut stems callus. Cuttings root easily if you want more plants.
Cold
Cover the growing tips with frost cloth or foam cups on nights forecast in the mid-20s or colder.
How our designers use it
A big vertical accent
It gives height and mass quickly, so our designers use it where a tall, branching form anchors a corner or a long wall.
Screening
A row or cluster can soften a utility area, equipment pad or neighbor’s view without a hedge that needs shearing.
Color contrast
The blue-green stems stand out against warm stone, dark walls and orange or red flowering shrubs.
Good to know
Around the pool
Its spines are short and few compared with most columnar cactus, which makes it easier to place near patios. We still keep it a few feet from walkways, and give it room for its eventual width.
Size
It becomes very large with age. Plan the spot for the mature plant, not the one in the nursery pot.
