Ferocactus viridescens![RHS AGM](/assets/styles/images/icons/RHS-AGM--Small-Vert__web.svg)
coast barrel cactus
A cactus with bright green, usually solitary, globose or cylindric, shallowly ribbed stems to 30cm in height; central spines yellow, curved, to 5cm in length. Flowers 5cm, green or tinged with red
![](https://apps.rhs.org.uk/plantselectorimages/detail/WSY0013691_6214.jpg)
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | Green | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Green Red | ||
Autumn | Green | |||
Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or North–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1CBotanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Ferocactus are spherical to columnar cacti with prominent ribs bearing spiny areoles, the spines sometimes hooked, and funnel-shaped flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- USA, Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a standard cactus compost, in bright, filtered light, with low humidity. When in growth water moderately and feed every two or three weeks with a balanced liquid feed. Keep almost dry in the winter
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 10 - 20°C in early spring
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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