Plant Min Zone: 5a
Plant Max Zone: 9a
Sunlight: All Day Full Sun, Full Sun, Part Sun, Shade
Water / Rainfall: Very Low, Low, Average
Soil Quality: Poor, Average
Bloom Season: Summer
Flower Color: Magenta
Berry / Fruit Color: Yellow, Green
Spring Foliage Color: Green
Summer Foliage Color: Green
Fall Foliage Color: Green
Evergreen Foliage: Yes
Winter Interest: Yes
Scented Flowers: No
Drought Tolerance: High
Wet-Feet Tolerance: Low
Humidity Tolerance: Low
Wind Tolerance: High
Poor Soil Tolerance: Clay Soils, Sandy Soils, Rocky Soils, Alkaline Soils (high PH)
Height: 2' - 3'
Width: 2' - 3'
Growth Rate: Medium
Service Life: Long: 5-10 years
Maintenance Need: Low
Spreading Potential: Extremely Low
Yearly Trimming Tips: Yuccas and Cacti Need No Trimming Except to Remove the Dead Flower Stalk.
Plant Grouping Size: Specimen Planting of 1-3
Best Side of House: South Exposure, West Exposure
Extreme Planting Locations: Survives Under Roof Overhang, Thin Roof Garden Locations, Survives Severe Drought, Tolerates Extreme Heat, Resistant to Rabbits, Crevice Gardens
Ornamental Features: Multiple Seasons of Interest
Special Landscape Uses: None
Possible Pest Problems: Root Rot Disease, Mealy Bugs
Plant Limitations: Needs Excellent Drainage, Has Thorns
This hardy Tree / Cane Cholla variety came to us from Yucca Pointe Nursery in Stillwater, OK where it grows outside in the owner Nathan Priest's display garden. This upright Cholla Cactus (Cylindropuntia imbricata) features magenta flowers and upright growth form are a unique addition to the garden. Native to arid clay soils in Western Kansas, Colorado, Oklahoma and parts of the southwestern United States and Mexico, the plant grows into a vicious unforgiving shrub if you get too close. From a distance however, this cactus has a place as one of the few upright cacti that can handle extreme cold. In fact, I have seen this species growing a few times in Lawrence, KS in desert gardens and even in full (dry) shade! Flowering in shade is doubtful though. With well drained soils and proper siting, this cactus can handle our excess rainfall in Eastern Kansas. We are testing this outside in our crevice garden among other hardy cacti and succulents! We will keep you posted. (2024)