Echinocereus coccineus (Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus)

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. The 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.