Photo of Ferocactus gracilis by Cactus Jungle

Photo by Cactus Jungle

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Ferocactus gracilis

Also Known As

  • Biznaga
  • Fire Barrel

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 5'
  • W: 12"

planting zones

  • 9a-11

More Options

Ferocactus gracilis plant details

Ferocactus gracilis is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer red flowers emerge. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun and low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Ferocactus gracilis

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 0 - 12 IN - wide, 0 - 5 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, houseplant, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Ferocactus gracilis

USDA Zones: 9a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Solitary cylindrical to 5ft. tall, 12" diameter Hardy to 20 °F.

Gardening facts about Ferocactus gracilis plant

How to Grow Ferocactus gracilis

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • low - drought tolerant
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • spring
    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous

See other plant types of Ferocactus for your garden

aka Echinocactus chrysacanthus, Echinocactus emoryi var. chrysacanthus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

10a-12

Size

Height: 24"-36"

Width: 12"-16"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Ferocactus chrysacanthus foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant

aka Echinocactus covillei, Ferocactus covillei, Ferocactus emoryi subsp. emoryi, Coville’s Barrel Cactus, Emory's Barrel Cactus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-11

Size

Height: 8'

Width: 3'

  • sun
  • low
Photo of Ferocactus emoryi foliage by Stan Shebs
View Plant

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aka Echinocactus acanthodes, Echinocactus acanthodes var. rostii, Echinocactus cylindraceus, Echinocactus rostii, Echinocactus viridescens var. cylindraceus, Ferocactus acanthodes, Ferocactus acanthodes var. rostii, Ferocactus rostii, Thelocactus hertrichii, California Barrel Cactus, Compass Barrel Cactus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9a-10b

Size

Height: 48"-72"

Width: 6"-12"

  • sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
Photo of Ferocactus cylindraceus form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

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aka Echinocactus echidne, Echinocactus echidne var. echidne, Echinocactus rafaelensis, Echinocactus victoriensis, Ferocactus echidne var victoriensis, Ferocactus rafaelensis, Ferocactus rhodanthus, Ferocactus victoriensis

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 6"-18"

Width: 15"-24"

  • sun
  • low
Photo of Ferocactus echidne flower, form by Kurt Stueber
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aka Bisnaga glaucescens, Echinocactus glaucescens, Echinocactus pfeifferi, Ferocactus pfeifferi, Blue Barrel Cactus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

9b-11

Size

Height: 12"-22"

Width: 12"-36"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Ferocactus glaucescens form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

+22 more Ferocactus
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