Pachycereus pringlei
Mexican giant cactus
A large, tree-like cactus with dark blue to green stems and reddish to dark brown spines fading to grey. On mature plants, nocturnal bell to funnel-shaped white flowers around 8cm across appear with greenish to red outer petals. Fruits are red and spiny.
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Size
Ultimate height
Higher than 12 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green Red Brown Grey Silver | White Green Yellow | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green Red Brown Grey Silver | Red | ||
| Autumn | Blue Green Red Brown Grey Silver | |||
| Winter | Blue Green Red Brown Grey Silver |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Pachycereus are a genus of columnar, tree-like perennial cacti, native to semi-desert areas of the USA and Mexico. Branches form from the bases of the main stems and have large spines with tubular flowers produced only on mature plants in the summer.
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- NW Mexico
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water moderately when in growth, not at all when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season see houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by seed. Stem-tip cuttings in summer
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs and scale insects
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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