candy barrel
Ferocactus wislizeni
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size3 to 6 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Cactus/succulent
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Red , orange , yellow
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Candy barrel (Ferocactus wislizeni) is a succulent for borders, containers, and xeriscape beds. 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 sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. The stem is round when young, then becomes oval and finally cylindrical, and yellow fruits attract birds.
Pairs well with Ocotillo, Desert spoon, Sideoats grass, and American century plant.
Native range
AZ, NM, and TX.