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Index : Landscape Plants
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- 9. Cactus Colonies Provide Landscape Interest - Top
- Cactus are most often planted in desert landscapes individually, as single specimens rather than in groupings. However, most plants, including cacti are more aesthetically appealing when planted in groupings. In nature, it’s common for one species of cacti to colonize an area with individuals of different ages and sizes in a defined space. These colonies are also in a random pattern with different spacings between individual plants. You can recreate such a natural colony by selecting and planting cacti of one species in various sizes.
Small to moderate-sized cactus groupings work best for urban-sized home landscapes. Just a few plants in odd numbered groupings of 3, 5, 7 of 9 are most pleasing to the eye and in keeping with the scale of most home landscapes.
The most attractive groupings of cactus are those made with species that have rounded or spreading forms. These include the barrel cacti including; golden barrel (golden barrel), fishook barrel (fishook barrel), and Devil’s tongue barrel (Devil’s tongue barrel). Low, spreading forms of cactus also provide an attractive ‘clustering’ effect in the landscape. Hedgehogs (Hedgehogs), clarets cup (clarets cup) and flying saucer (flying saucer) (Echinopsis hybrid) (Echinopsis hybrid) spread by basal branching. All have beautiful flowers, especially the Echinopsis hybrids (Echinopsis hybrid) with their huge 8 inch blossoms in striking fluorescent colors!
When selecting a location for your cactus colony, choose an area that has mid-day and afternoon shade during the intensely hot Summer months. Avoid any location subject to reflected heat, such as along south and west facing walls. Most of the imported cactus species, such as golden barrels do better with some sun protection. An ideal planting spot is in the light shade provided by a palo verde tree.
Obtaining plants of a single cactus species in a range of sizes may require visiting several garden centers. One-gallon-sized golden barrel cacti may vary considerably between retailers; at least that’s the hope when looking for a range of sizes. Although they’ll be more expensive, its important to have just a few larger specimens in the mix to emphasize the random natural of the colony.
The best time for planting cactus is during the heat of Summer. They’ll establish and grow faster with high temperatures and monsoonal rains. It’s best to set the pots out randomly in the area to be planted. When doing so, keep in mind the ultimate size each plant will obtain over time. It’s ok to crowd cactus a little. Just keep in mind that some may have to eventually be removed and relocated if they become over-crowded.
Work the soil to prepare for planting the colony. Cactus prefer well-drained soil, so if a hardpan of caliche is present it should be removed or another site chosen. Turn the soil a foot or so deep using a spade. Remove rocks and stones as you go. Do not add organic amendments to the soil. Cactus are adapted to and grow best in our native desert soils. After loosening the soil, dig holes large enough to accommodate the root systems of the cactus, plant and fill back in with the same soil removed.
Immediately after planting water the soil thoroughly. After this initial watering, irrigate once every three or four weeks during hot weather. In the winter, water only if normal rainfall does not occur, and then only sparingly. Cactus are more prone to problems from
over-watering than under-watering.
Written by John Begeman, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the University of Arizona,
520-626-5161. - Updated: July 30, 2006
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