Description

The cholla cactus represents more than 20 species of the Optunia genus, with cylindrical stems; exceptional as an accent for rock gardens and planters; needs perfect drainage and sandy or gravelly soils

Landscape Attributes

Cholla Cactus is a large succulent evergreen plant with an upright spreading habit of growth. It commonly grows as a shrub-like plant with multiple 'branches' and stems. As a type of cactus, it has no true foliage; the body of the plant is wholly comprised of a linked series of spiny grayish green narrow cylindrical segments which are connected together to form the branches of the plant. With age, this plant will eventually develop a woody dark brown 'trunk' at its base.

Cholla Cactus is recommended for the following landscape applications;

Planting & Growing

Cholla Cactus will grow to be about 9 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 12 feet. It has a low canopy with a typical clearance of 1 foot from the ground, and is suitable for planting under power lines. It grows at a medium rate, and under ideal conditions can be expected to live for approximately 30 years.

This plant should only be grown in full sunlight. It requires an extremely dry, well-drained growing location, and will usually die in standing water. It is considered to be drought-tolerant, and thus makes an ideal choice for xeriscaping or the moisture-conserving landscape. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in sandy soils. It is quite intolerant of urban pollution, therefore inner city or urban streetside plantings are best avoided. This species is native to parts of North America. It can be propagated by division.