Alphabetical Plant Listing

Astrophytum myriostigma (Bishop's Cap)

Bishop's Cap, Bishop's Miter, Bishop's Hat, Monk's Hood, Deacons Hat, Bishop's Hood, Miter Cactus, Astrophytum prismaticum, Cereus callicoche, Echinocactus myriostigma


Widely grown, Astrophytum myriostigma (Bishop's Cap) is a spineless cactus, often solitary, forming a spherical or shortly columnar, chalk-white or silvery-gray stem. Usually adorned with prominent 5 ribs, it forms a perfect star shape giving the plant the appearance of a bishop's miter, hence the common name. Over time, the number of ribs can increase to 8 or even 10. Blooming intermittently throughout the warm months from the end of winter to the start of autumn, sweet-scented, funnel-shaped, light yellow flowers, 2 in. across (5 cm), appear at the tip of the stem. Each flower blooms for about 2 days. However, they bloom in succession, so the flowering season can last for months. Bishop's Cap may take up to six years to flower. Easy to grow, this remarkable cactus is perfect for containers. It can be grown as a houseplant but also grows well outdoors in frost-free climates. Protect from cold, as this species is frost sensitive and only hardy to 23°F (-5°C) for brief periods.

  • Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society.
  • Grows up to 8-40 in. tall (20-100 cm) and 4-8 in. wide (10-20 cm).
  • Easily grown in sharply drained, poor, slightly alkaline soil in full sun to light shade. Lightly water in the growing season. Make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep the plant dry in winter. Drought tolerant.
  • If grown under glass, plant in cactus compost with added limestone chippings, in bright filtered light.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Keep an eye out for mealybugs.
  • Propagate by seed sown at 70°F (21°C) in early spring.
  • Native to northern Mexico where it is found growing on stony, calcareous soils on scrubby alluvial plains on steep, east, or west (and southwest) facing slopes.

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Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 11
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 8" – 4' (20cm – 120cm)
Spread 4" – 8" (10cm – 20cm)
Spacing 4" – 8" (10cm – 20cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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(c) Gerhard Bock, SucculentsandMore.com

While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.


Requirements

Hardiness 10 – 11
Plant Type Cactus - Succulents
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early,Mid,Late)
Summer (Early,Mid,Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 8" – 4' (20cm – 120cm)
Spread 4" – 8" (10cm – 20cm)
Spacing 4" – 8" (10cm – 20cm)
Water Needs Low
Maintenance Low
Soil Type Chalk, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Plant of Merit, Showy, Evergreen
Tolerance Deer, Drought, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Garden Uses Patio and Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden

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