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Echinocereus coccineus (Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus)

Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus, Claret Cup, Mexican Claret Cup

Echinocereus coccineus, Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus, Claret Cup, Red Flowers
Echinocereus coccineus, Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus, Claret Cup, Red Flowers
Echinocereus coccineus, Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus, Claret Cup, Red Flowers

Hummingbird-attracting, Echinocereus coccineus (Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus) is a small clumping cactus with barrel-shaped or columnar ribbed stems, forming large colonies of as many as 50-100 semi-erect, thick, dark green stems at maturity. The stems may be densely spiny or almost without spines. They are composed of 8 to 11 ribs with slightly undulated crests. The yellow spines turn gray with age. Bright orange, scarlet or pink flowers with rounded petals decorate the plant from spring to early summer. Long-lasting, the showy flowers, 3 in. long (8 cm), are adorned with creamy-yellow at the base of their petals, highlighting their bright green stigma at their center. There are many thready pink stamens at the center of their corolla and a thick nectar chamber that is visited by hummingbirds. The blooms give way to reddish edible fruits, that are devoured by wildlife. Echinocereus coccineus is a lovely plant for a rock garden or containers where it will form attractive, bold clumps.

  • Grows up to 6-24 in. tall (15-60 cm) and forms clusters to 3 ft. wide (90 cm).
  • Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Water regularly when in growth. Excellent drainage is critical to avoid rot issues. Keep the plant dry in winter. Drought tolerant.
  • Great for desert gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Great in decorative containers too.
  • No serious pest or disease issues. Susceptible to fungal diseases if overwatered.
  • Deer and rabbit resistant. These desert flowers produce nectar and are attractive to birds and bees
  • Native to the Southwestern USA (Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Utah, Nevada, California) and Mexico.

Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Climate Zones 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Cactaceae
Genus Echinocereus
Common names Cactus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early)
Height 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, California, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Echinocereus engelmannii (Engelmann’s Hedgehog Cactus)
Echinocereus dasyacanthus (Texas Rainbow Cactus)
Echinocereus reichenbachii (Lace Cactus)
Echinocereus rigidissimus (Rainbow Cactus)
Echinocereus stramineus (Strawberry Hedgehog Cactus)
Echinocereus triglochidiatus (Claret Cup Cactus)

Recommended Companion Plants

Senecio mandraliscae (Blue Chalksticks)
Agave parryi var. truncata (Artichoke Agave)
Aloe cameronii (Red Aloe)
Phormium tenax (New Zealand Flax)

Find In One of Our Guides or Gardens

Desert Flowers: Bringing Color to Dry Gardens
Hedgehog Cactus: A Desert Survivor with Spectacular Blooms
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.
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Requirements

Hardiness 8 - 11
Climate Zones 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
Plant Type Cactus & Succulents
Plant Family Cactaceae
Genus Echinocereus
Common names Cactus
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Mid, Late), Summer (Early)
Height 6" - 2' (15cm - 60cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low
Soil Type Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil Drainage Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Native Plants United States, California, Southwest, Texas, Arizona, Nevada, New Mexico, Rocky Mountains, Utah, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Deer, Rabbit, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Bees, Birds, Hummingbirds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders, Patio And Containers
Garden Styles Gravel and Rock Garden, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Echinocereus (Hedgehog Cactus) to pick?
Compare Now

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