Plants in genus echinocereus
Echinocereus enneacanthus
Echinocereus enneacanthus, commonly known as the strawberry cactus, features cylindrical stems that form dense or lax clumps. The stems are pale to bright green, with needle-like spines and funnel-shaped flowers that range from purple-red to pink. This cactus blooms in early spring and is hardy in zones 9a to 11b, preferring full sun to partial shade and moderate watering.
Echinocereus coccineus
Echinocereus coccineus, native to the Southwest US, is a striking cactus with bright orange flowers and thick clumping stems. It forms an 18-inch tall by 2-foot wide patch and requires excellent drainage. This plant is drought-tolerant and deer-resistant, making it ideal for rock gardens and xeriscaping.
Echinocereus reichenbachii ssp. fitchii
Echinocereus reichenbachii ssp. fitchii, known as Fitch's hedgehog cactus, features pink-purple flowers with a dark burgundy center. It blooms from late April to late June and requires well-drained soil and sunny positions. This cactus is cold-resistant and needs winter dormancy with reduced watering.
Echinocereus adustus
Echinocereus adustus, commonly known as the hedgehog cactus, features magenta-pink flowers and is easy to grow with adequate winter rest. It is sensitive to over-watering and requires good drainage, thriving in full sun for best spine density. This cactus is very cold resistant, tolerating temperatures above 10°F for short periods.
Echinocereus arizonicus
Echinocereus arizonicus, also known as the Arizona claretcup cactus, is a striking cactus native to New Mexico and Arizona. It features deep red to bright orange-red flowers, sometimes with a lighter yellowish-green center. This cactus thrives in full sun and requires moderate watering, with less water needed in winter. It typically grows to about 15 inches tall.
Echinocereus triglochidiatus
Echinocereus triglochidiatus, or the kingcup cactus, is a striking plant native to the southwestern US and northern Mexico. It is recognized for its bright scarlet red to orange-red funnel-shaped flowers, which are pollinated by hummingbirds and bees. This mounding cactus, known for its variable appearance, is the official state cactus of Colorado. It thrives in full sun and is suited for USDA hardiness zones 7 to 12, making it a resilient choice for arid landscapes.
Echinocereus pacificus
Echinocereus pacificus is a columnar cactus native to northern Mexico, known for its bright orange flowers. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water, making it well-suited for arid environments. This cactus is characterized by its cylindrical growth habit and can withstand temperatures as low as 50°F.
Echinocereus sanpedroensis
Echinocereus sanpedroensis is a rapidly growing cactus that flowers in spring, with blooms that remain open most of the day and night. It requires good drainage and tolerates bright light but may suffer from sun scorch in direct sunlight.
Echinocereus viereckii
This plant, native to Mexico, is notable for its floppy, crumpled stems that can reach up to 50 cm long and change color from green to purple under bright light. It produces magenta funnel-shaped flowers from late spring to summer and is extremely drought-tolerant. The plant requires minimal watering and thrives in well-drained soil. It is cold hardy in USDA zones 9-11 and can be easily propagated through division, grafting, or seeds. Its resilience and ease of care make it a popular choice for gardeners.
Echinocereus viridiflorus 'Montanus'
Echinocereus viridiflorus 'Montanus', also known as the Windowsill cactus, is a hardy cactus with small green flowers. It thrives in full sun and requires excellent drainage, especially during its winter rest period when it should be kept drier and cooler. This cactus is cold-resistant down to -4°F, making it suitable for various climates.
Echinocereus reichenbachii ssp. armatus
Echinocereus reichenbachii ssp. armatus, also known as the Armored Hedgehog Cactus, is notable for its scented magenta-pink flowers. It requires a winter rest and is prone to rot if overwatered. This cactus is cold-resistant to temperatures as low as 23°F.
Echinocereus websterianus
Echinocereus websterianus, also known as Webster's hedgehog cactus, is a short barrel cactus native to San Pedro Nolasco Island. It can grow up to 24 inches tall and features golden yellow, brown, or white spines. This cactus blooms in June and July with pink, violet, or white flowers and requires strong sunlight and well-drained soil.
Echinocereus triglochidiatus ssp. mojavensis
This spineless form of cactus produces red or orange heavy and waxy flowers with a green stigma. Native Americans make sweet cakes from its stems, and it is cultivated for its flowers. It requires strong sunlight, good drainage, and regular watering from March to October, and is very cold resistant.
Echinocereus viereckii ssp. morricalii
Echinocereus viereckii ssp. morricalii, also known as the hedgehog cactus, is a drought-tolerant plant native to Mexico. It features almost spineless stems with very short, yellowish spines and produces large magenta flowers. This cactus forms small clumps and requires ample light and well-draining soil. It is propagated by seeds and thrives in full sun, making it a resilient choice for arid gardens.
Echinocereus subinermis ssp. subinermis
Echinocereus subinermis ssp. subinermis is a cactus known for its golden flowers and bluish-green stems. It grows up to 12 inches tall and produces pale yellow, sweet-scented flowers in spring and summer. This cactus is hardy to 28°F and requires good drainage to prevent rot in winter.
Echinocereus triglochidiatus 'Alpine Tx Form'
Echinocereus triglochidiatus 'Alpine Tx Form' is a small branching cactus native to the Southwest US and Mexico. It forms clumps topped with brilliant orange-red flowers in spring and requires good drainage and bright sun.
Echinocereus weinbergii
Echinocereus weinbergii is a globose cactus native to Mexico, known for its rose pink and purplish flowers. It has a slow growth rate and is winter-sensitive, with a frost tolerance of 41°F. This cactus prefers bright light and is suitable for USDA hardiness zones 9b to 11. Its unique shape and vibrant flowers make it a striking addition to any cactus collection.
Echinocereus schmollii
Echinocereus schmollii is a small cactus with thin, limp stems and showy pink to magenta flowers. It is native to the Chihuahuan Desert and requires a cool, dry winter period for flowering.
Echinocereus subinermis ssp. ochoterenae
Echinocereus subinermis ssp. ochoterenae is a cactus known for its canary-yellow flowers with reddish midstripes, blooming in spring and summer. The flowers are delicately sweet-scented and last up to six days, beginning to bloom 4 to 5 years after sowing. This cactus is easy to grow and propagate, requiring regular watering from March to October and good drainage in winter. It prefers partial shade or filtered sun and is hardy to -2°C, making it a resilient choice for cactus enthusiasts.
Echinocereus longisetus ssp. delaetii
Echinocereus longisetus ssp. delaetii, also known as the old man hedgehog cactus, is a hardy species native to Mexico. It features hairy, columnar growth and pink flowers with a lighter center. This cactus thrives in full sun with minimal water and well-drained soil, making it ideal for arid environments.
Echinocereus russanthus
Echinocereus russanthus, commonly known as the greenflowered torch cactus, is a hardy cactus that can withstand temperatures as low as -4°F. It typically has a single stem but may branch to form clusters, producing small purplish flowers. This cactus requires good drainage and prefers drier, cooler conditions in winter, thriving in both shade and full sun.
Echinocereus knippelianus
Echinocereus knippelianus is a solitary or slowly clumping cactus native to the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountains in Mexico. It features buds that emerge through the plant's skin and is known for its pink or white flowers. This cactus is well-suited for full sun to partial shade and is a resilient addition to arid gardens.
Echinocereus rigidissimus 'Rubispinus'
The Columnar cactus is a striking plant native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, known for its cylindrical body and waxy coating. It features short, dusty red-purple spines and trumpet-shaped bright pink blooms that attract bees and butterflies. This cactus can grow up to 10 inches tall and 8 inches wide and prefers well-draining, airy, and nutrient-rich soil. It thrives in bright, indirect light indoors and full sun outdoors after acclimation. Watering should be done every 2-3 weeks during the growing season and every 4-6 weeks during the dormant season. It is best suited for USDA zones 8-11 and benefits from a balanced cactus fertilizer once a year in spring.
Echinocereus subinermis
Echinocereus subinermis is a golden-flowered cactus native to Mexico, growing up to 30 cm tall and wide. It features bluish-green, purplish stems with pale yellow, sweet-scented flowers that bloom in spring and summer. This cactus requires good drainage and protection in temperate regions.
Echinocereus coccineus ssp. paucispinus
Echinocereus coccineus ssp. paucispinus is a clump-forming cactus native to the Southern US, known for its vibrant flowers ranging from orange to deep crimson. It grows up to 16 inches tall and blooms in spring, preferring porous, slightly acidic soil and at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. This cactus is sensitive to overwatering and has medicinal benefits as a heart stimulant.
Echinocereus roetteri
Echinocereus roetteri is a naturally occurring hybrid cactus native to the mountains of West Texas, New Mexico, and Northern Mexico. It grows 6-8 inches tall and features large, bright pastel flowers in shades of rosy pink to fluorescent orange-red, blooming in May. This plant requires excellent drainage and is sensitive to overwatering, making it ideal for rock gardens or xeriscaping.
Echinocereus adustus ssp. schwarzii
Echinocereus adustus ssp. schwarzii, commonly known as 'Cereus adustus', is a cactus from Mexico that grows 4 to 5 inches tall. It blooms with pink flowers and requires well-drained soil and full sunlight.
Echinocereus reichenbachii
Echinocereus reichenbachii is a drought-tolerant cactus that requires ample light and porous, well-draining soil. It needs little watering and can withstand freezing temperatures below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This cactus is ideal for those seeking a low-maintenance plant.
Echinocereus davisii
Echinocereus davisii, also known as the Nylon Hedgehog Cactus, is one of the smallest cacti in the world, native to West Texas. It features a depressed globular shape and blooms with yellow-green or straw-yellow flowers in early spring. This cactus is highly cold-resistant, tolerating temperatures as low as 14°F for short periods. It prefers bright sun or filtered sunlight and requires minimal watering, especially during winter dormancy.