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19250 S Ellsworth Rd
Queen Creek, AZ 85142

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Silver Torch – Desert Horizon Nursery

Silver Torch Cactus

Cleistocactus strausii
Categories:
Cacti & Succulents  ·  
Columnar Cactus
Light
Full sun
Water
Low; deep, infrequent watering once established; reduce to nearly none in winter.
Size
6-10 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide
Habit
Columnar cactus
Toxicity
Non-toxic (spines)
Description
A slender, columnar cactus native to the high Andes of Bolivia and Argentina, densely clothed in white bristle-like spines that give a silvery sheen. Mature columns bear narrow tubular red flowers held nearly horizontally. Well suited to low-desert landscapes with excellent drainage.
Bloom Time
Spring to summer
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Attracts Hummingbirds, Colorful Foliage, Drought Tolerant
Growth Rate
Slow to moderate
Growth Habit
Columnar cactus
Mature Size
6-10 ft tall × 1-2 ft wide
Flower Color
Red
Foliage Color
Green stems cloaked in dense white spines (silver-white appearance)
Landscape Use
Cactus / Succulent Garden, Desert / Xeriscape, Specimen / Accent
Garden Style
Desert / Xeriscape, Pollinator / Wildlife
Soil
Alkaline Tolerant, Sandy / Rocky, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Agave, Desert marigold, Ferocactus, Penstemon, Salvia
Non-toxic (spines)
Non-toxic (spines can cause physical injury)
Care Instructions

Light: Full sun

Water: Low; deep, infrequent watering once established; reduce to nearly none in winter.

Soil: Well-draining sandy or gravelly soil; tolerates poor, rocky, alkaline desert soils but requires excellent drainage.

Mature size: 6-10 ft tall, 1-2 ft wide

Bloom: Spring to summer

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen

Growth rate: Slow to moderate