Types Of Cactus
Common Types of Cactus for Gardening
If you’re looking to spruce up your garden with a bit of desert flare, there are plenty of types of cactus that will do the job! Although the term cactus often brings to mind pictures of the awkward fork-like plants found in desert lands, the cactus family is not limited to this one type of species. Many species of cactus produce flowers and even come in varying colors. They also come in a variety of sizes which makes them easy to compliment gardens and flowers of all sorts! We are going to talk about a few of the most popular types of cactus for gardening purposes and provide a brief overview of the environmental requirements of each species.
The first cactus species we are going to talk about is called the prickly pear, or opuntia. The prickly pear cactus grows in flat, round branches, similar to the shape of a paddle. This species can easily become dense as it branches out, so a bit of maintenance would be required to keep this cactus looking “clean” and suitable for a garden. Prickly pears are most commonly found in Mexico, however they are hardy enough to grow in USDA zones 4 to 10. Aside from the fact that this plant will provide a hint of the Midwest to your garden, it also produces a bright yellow flower. This pretty flower is followed by a purple or red fruit called tunas. The tunas of the prickly pear are edible and are often used to make a tasty jelly.
The barrel cactus is another species often chosen to be included in gardens. This species is round and relatively small. It has ridges that give this plant a unique yet tidy appearance. As with the prickly pear, the barrel cactus also produces pretty yellow flowers which bloom around mid summer. This particular species grows very well in containers, so if you aren’t sure whether you want to commit to having a cactus in your garden, you can always set it out on a trial period using a standard planting pot. The downside to this cactus is that it is limited to USDA zones 9 through 11.
The escobaria vivipara is another popular cactus which is also quite hardy. This means that it can withstand the cooler temperatures of areas other than the Midwest, from USDA zones 4 through 11. This species of cactus has a very unique look that is sure to add a touch of the southwest to your garden, regardless of where you live! The escobaria vivipara cactus is small and round, reaching a maximum height of about six inches. It has earned the nickname “spinystar” due to its unique look. The typical green “skin” of the cactus is virtually undetectable behind the star-like shape of the spines that cover this plant. It produces flowers between two and five centimeters in diameter and yellow, pink, or purple in color. These flowers have quite an exotic look compared to many other cactus flowers and can help add a bit of flare to a lackluster garden.
Please be advised that all of the abovementioned types of cactus do have needles, or spines. These can easily imbed into the skin, therefore children and some pets may need to be supervised around the plant. When handling these plants, it is best to use very thick cloves and to try to hold the areas which have the least amount of needles. If you are unsure what USDA zone your home is located in, you can inquire by calling or visiting a local garden nursery or by doing a search online for the USDA zone map.