Growing Echinopsis in the Southwest

These cacti are known for their frequent-blooming, colorful flowers

Echinopsis ( Echinopsisspp . and cvs . , Zones 8b–12 ) , also called sea urchincacti , have an allure that can depart your good judgement . This genus is widespread in cardinal South America and includes well over a hundred species . In cultivation since the 1800s , the straight species has its own solicitation , with a full range of characteristic , but it is the dazzling cross that can whisk away your reason . begin in the other 1900s , several hybridizers in California , Arizona , and Europe construe with child potential in creating fresh and improved versions of these cacti . Today ’s contemporaries still churn out ever - fancy selections to an eager online audience .

Why grow echinopsis? The allure lies in the blooms

Echinopsis are beloved for their stunning 4- to 8 - column inch flower that can come along in waving fromApriltoOctober . They are dim and regular growers but easy to worry for . As plants ripen , fuzzy blueberry bush - sizing buds appear around the top and along the vertical ribs . These rest in a “ waiting period ” until select conditions spur on a flush of growth . The buds can respond to passion and piss within day , expand to more than 6 inches long , and will burst open in unison on affectionate desert mornings . Most blossom last a individual 24-hour interval , but under skilful status some may last nigh three days . This ephemeral show justifies an impromptu gathering of friend and neighbour to observe the event ( first light chocolate and pastries recommend ) . lambent , sweetly scented , and ethereal , each bloom seems to be light from within . Colors nearly traverse the rainbow , from vivid red and pink to sherbert - toned pastel and sunflower yellow .

How to grow and care for echinopsis

These plump cacti ambit from 3 to 6 column inch in diam , with some maturate several foot tall . Most , however , stay underslung and clustered with offsets , like hen and chicks ( Sempervivumspp . and cvs . , Zones 4–11 ) . Different multifariousness have different amount of acerate leaf and thorn , but sonorous gloves , tongs , or wheel - up newspaper makes handling them easy .

Planting and care tips

Favorite varieties

This genus is full of exciting species and cross with awful flowers . Here are a few of my dearie .

‘ Maria Piazza ’ echinopsis(Echinopsis‘Maria Piazza ’ , Zones 9–12 ) reblooms easily . Its rich , warm pinkish flowers with creamy white filament can altogether cover this compact plant life .

‘ Flying Saucer ’ echinopsis(Echinopsis‘Flying Saucer ’ , Zones 9b–10b ) has among the largest of echinopsis blooms , each with a sweet scent on a sturdy , upright plant life . A pile of these peach - colored efflorescence in flush is breathtaking !

‘ Almost Burnt Orange ’ echinopsis(Echinopsis‘Almost Burnt Orange ’ , Zones 9–11 ) has flowers in cheerful sunrise shade . These blooms make a glowing contrast with indulgent , light - colored flowers .

‘ Big Bertha ’ echinopsis(Echinopsis‘Big Bertha ’ , zona 8–11 ) leaves a big footprint over time . newspaper column that reach 6 inch in diameter set about by growing upright and later stretch in all commission . The clean blank flush have a potent scent that fills the morning garden .

Easter lily cactus(Echinopsis oxygona , Zones 8b–11 ) has very little , sizable spines and multiplies chop-chop . Its soft white - pinkish blooms are abundant and delightfully fragrant .

offset of echinopsis will root easily and can be shared with friends . If you ca n’t settle them topically , online resources are plenteous . Collecting the full spectrum of colors may be a slippery slope , but the expiation is deserving it . My advice ? heave up and savour the ride !

For more data on succulent for the Southwest , checker out :

And for more southwesterly regional reports , click here .

— Dan Johnson endure and gardens in Denver and in Tucson , Arizona . He is the associate film director of horticulture for the Denver Botanic Gardens .

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Salmon Queen echinopsis

Unlike other cacti that rarely flower, echinopsis, like ‘Salmon Queen’ (Echniopsis‘Salmon Queen’, Zones 9–11; pictured), flower several times over the course of the summer.Photo: Dan Johnson

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Firelight echinopsis