blue barrel cactus
Ferocactus glaucescens
RHS AGM 1993
USDA zones9 to 11
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size12 to 24 inches tall12 to 24 inches wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Blue barrel cactus (Ferocactus glaucescens) is a succulent for borders, containers, and low maintenance gardens. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Deer and rabbits usually look elsewhere for a meal. It stays evergreen and tolerates drought, and bees visit it.
Pairs well with Heavy Metal switchgrass, Coyote mint, and Silver squill.
Native range
North America.