Photo of Echinocactus grusonii form by Far Out Flora

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Buy Echinocactus grusonii

Also Known As

  • Golden Barrel Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 2'-3'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 9a-12

6in | $16

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Fewer than 6 at Dry Oasis Plants

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Echinocactus grusonii plant details

Echinocactus grusonii is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In fall and summer yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry when dormant. Does well in well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Echinocactus grusonii

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in fall and summer
Uses: bare root shipping available, container plant, houseplant, long-blooming, rock garden, spiky, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Echinocactus grusonii

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: well-drained

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Nursery contributed plant descriptions

The Golden Barrel Cactus (Echinocactus grusonii) is a stunning and low-maintenance succulent that adds a touch of desert charm to any garden. This round, spiky cactus is known for its striking golden-yellow coloration and iconic barrel shape. It thrives in well-drained soil and loves full sun, making it a perfect choice for xeriscaping. With its slow growth rate and minimal water requirements, it's an excellent choice for busy gardeners or those in arid climates. The Golden Barrel Cactus is a popular choice for landscaping, adding a touch of Southwestern beauty to your outdoor space while requiring minimal care.
The Golden Barrel Cactus, a globular and beautiful cactus with many symmetrical ribs covered in golden spines. Slow growing and gets very large! Seed grown in house. Looks great all by itself in a pot or with taller structural plants in a desert garden.
Full Sun. Outdoor. 1.5 to 2" Yellow Flowers .

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Echinocactus grusonii, the Golden Barrel Cactus, is one of the most popular of all cacti in cultivation. It is much admired for its large rotund form, dramatically adorned with neat rows of clustered golden spines. The flowers are also golden yellow in color, emerging from the large patch of wool at the center of the plant. They are produced a few at a time over a long period during the growing season in the warm months of the year. Large plants attain a size of over 2 feet across, and may remain single or produce plantlets at the side to form a clump. They come from Queretaro State in Mexico, but have become very scarce in the wild due to inundation of much of their natural habitat from construction of a dam. Echinocactus, with 6 species, is one of the 2 genera of cacti commonly known as barrel cacti. The other genus, with considerably more species, is Ferocactus. The two groups are widely distributed in the southwestern US and Mexico. The Golden Barrel Cactus is one of The Ruth Bancroft Garden’s signature plants, and is a favorite of volunteers and visitors. Each September the Golden Barrel Cactus Award for Philanthropy, named for our prized plant, is presented at the Annual Dinner In The Garden benefit. This year the founder of The Garden Conservancy, Frank and Anne Cabot, will receive the award.
Solitary round barrels to 4'd., occasional clumps, golden spines. Hardy to 20 °F if dry in winter.

Gardening facts about Echinocactus grusonii plant

How to Grow Echinocactus grusonii

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry when dormant
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • fall
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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