emory's barrel cactus
Ferocactus emoryi
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size4 to 8 feet tall2 to 3 feet wide
- Habit
- Cactus/succulent
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Red
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, neutral, alkaline
Garden uses
Notes
Emory's barrel cactus (Ferocactus emoryi) is a succulent for containers, xeriscapes, 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 sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. Thick, reddish spines cover its ribbed body, and the longest spine is hooked at the tip. Red flowers open in late summer. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits.
Pairs well with Aloe, Echeveria, and Desert spoon.
Native range
AZ.