Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus)

Slowly growing, award-winning Echinocactus grusonii (Golden Barrel Cactus) forms a pale green, barrel-shaped stem with prominent ribs adorned with areoles sprouting bright golden spines. Bright yellow flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm) are produced from late spring to summer on mature specimens receiving enough full sun. They are diurnal and form a discreet ring at the top of the plant. Over time, this cylindrical cactus takes on an oblong shape and tends to lean to the south or southwest so that the spines can better protect the body of the plant from the desert sun. In fact, desert travelers can use the plant as a compass. With age, Golden Barrel Cactus produces offsets to form clumps that can reach 6ft. across (180 cm). Terrific at adding texture, color, and shape to the landscape, this eye-catching and majestic plant looks spectacular next to blue plants. Best planted close together among large rocks or boulders.

• Winner of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 2 ft. tall (60 cm) and 2-3 ft. wide (60-90 cm).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun or part shade if the site is extremely hot or bright. Water regularly when in growth. Make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Do not wet the body of this plant while in sunlight to avoid sun burning, fungal infections or death. Keep the plant dry in winter. Feed with a high potassium fertilizer in summer. Drought tolerant.
• Great for desert gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens, or Mediterranean gardens. Great in decorative containers too.
• Deer resistant. The flowers produce nectar and are attractive to birds and bees
• Propagate by seed. This plant produces many fruits each season. Several months after the flower dies off and the pods ripen it is possible to collect them from under the dried flower. The seeds are mahogany and tiny
• Virtually disease free. Watch for mealybug, scale insects and spider mite.
• Native to southwestern U.S. and Mexico