Ferocactus pilosus (Mexican Lime Cactus)

Regarded as one of the most spectacular species in the genus, Ferocactus pilosus (Mexican Lime Cactus) forms a simple or clumping, deep green, barrel-shaped to columnar cactus with prominent ribs adorned with areoles sprouting bright red spines. Bright red-orange flowers, 1 in. wide (2.5 cm) are produced from late spring to summer on mature specimens receiving enough full sun. They form a discreet ring at the top of the plant. Over time, this cylindrical cactus often forms groups, with several subsidiary barrels growing from the main one, their deep green bodies densely covered with bright red spines up their entire length. Terrific at adding texture, color, and shape to the landscape, this eye-catching and majestic plant looks spectacular in any desert garden setting.

• Slowly grows up to 8 ft. tall (240 cm) and 12-18 in. wide (30-45 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 mealybugs, scale insects and spider mites.
• Native to Mexico