Blue Barrel Cactus

Ferocactus glaucescens
Characteristics
Category Cactus & Succulents
Size 2' x 2'
Flower Color Yellow
Flower Season Spring through Late Summer
Exposure Full Sun to Partial Shade
Water Additional irrigation during the hot, dry summer
Growth Rate Slow
Hardiness 25°F
Notes:

Description

This barrel cactus is about two feet tall and wide with a globular shape and a greenish-blue skin. As the plant matures, it may produce multiple heads and forms a large mound. It has thick, whitish-gray spines that are distributed evenly throughout the plant, along with deep ribs. Beginning in spring and through late summer, funnel shaped, yellow flowers emerge near the top of the plant. The flowers last for a long time with white, rounded fruit appearing after flowering.  Use it in rock gardens and raised planters with other low-water-use cacti and succulents for its colorful, long-blooming cycle. This interesting plant works well in masses with other barrel cactus and xeriscape plantings. It is native to limestone rock formations, boulders, and rocky hillsides in the state of Hidalgo, Mexico.

Maintenance

The plant is slow-growing when young, and is generally easy to grow and care for. It likes full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. Blue barrel cactus is drought-resistant but prefers additional irrigation during the hot, dry summer. It is hardy to the mid twenties Fahrenheit. This cactus is easily propagated by seeds.
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*Our plant guide provides informational resources regarding plants that we commonly use. HORTICULTURE UNLIMITED IS NOT A NURSERY OR SUPPLIER. We obtain necessary materials for installation purposes only, and recommend consulting a nursery or supplier for direct purchasing needs.
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