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Which cacti can I leave outside year-round?
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Posted by buggirl66502 8b (My Page) on Mon, Mar 23, 09 at 2:19
| Does anyone know what cactus varieties I can plant and leave outside year-round in Bryan, TX (zone 8b) that won't be killed by frost? I know prickly pear grows like gangbusters here, but I would like to make a rock garden with some of the smaller, slower-growing cactus species.
Thanks! |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Which cacti can I leave outside year-round?
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| In your zone you have a lot of choices as long as you have good drainage and cut off all watering in the fall to allow dormancy. The hedgehog types (Echinocereus) are a good place to start, as well as smaller barrels (Ferocactus hamatocanthus), and nipple cactus (Coryphantha). There are also some beautiful, miniature agaves like victoria-regina that could probably handle your climate. Have fun! |
RE: Which cacti can I leave outside year-round?
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| I agree with sandyjohn and add this info. If you want your cactus to bloom every year, water them in late Feb./early March if you don't get rain by then. They will bloom by June. |
RE: Which cacti can I leave outside year-round?
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| Thanks to you both. It's great to know I have so many choices! |
RE: Which cacti can I leave outside year-round?
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| I'm envious, because I'm a cactus lover at the colder, more northern limits of cactusland. But, I am able to grow several dozen species (mostly prickly pears, chollas, hedgehogs, nipple cacti, and a few barrels) which flower profusely. As already mentioned, you do have so many to choose from. Unless something is listed as being completely tropical and requiring a frost free and/or wet situation, you could probably be successful in your area. Anything in the following genera (to name a few) would probably fit your bill for small and slower-growing... Echinocereus, Echinocactus, Ferocactus, Coryphantha, Mammillaria, ... you can look these up online to get familiar with the possibilities before you go to the nursery. Oh, what about digging up some native cacti (as long as they are legal) from a friend's property? I know how many people hate cacti, especially ranchers and such, they might be happy to have you take some away. In this case you would know for sure they are suitable for your area. |
RE: Which cacti can I leave outside year-round?
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| Thanks for the suggestions, fabaceae_native! I am pleased there are so many varieties that will do well here. It has been quite a task to bring in all my cacti for the short freezing spells we have here. I love cacti and can't believe there are people that hate them, but you're right, it does give me an opportunity to take some plants off people's hands! |
RE: Which cacti can I leave outside year-round?
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| Here in Zone 7, I have several clumps of echinopsis in the ground that have survived undamaged two winters. If it is to get really cold for a long spell, I cover them temporarily with burlap and they do fine. I have several blooms already forming on them now. So in addition to the ones mentioned, these do good also. They flower (huge pink flowers) three of four times per season all at the same time and form lots of pups for more cactus. |
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