Silver Torch, Snow Pole, Wooly Torch
Cleistocactus strausii
| Family: | Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Cleistocactus (Kly-stoh-KAK-tus) (Info) |
| Species: | strausii |
| Synonym: | Cleistocactus strausii var. straussii |
| Synonym: | Borzicactus strausii |
| Synonym: | Cereus strausii |
| Synonym: | Denmoza strausii |
| Synonym: | Pilocereus strausii |
Category:
Cactus and Succulents
Foliage Color:
Bloom Characteristics:
Water Requirements:
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Where to Grow:
Height:
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Spacing:
3-6 in. (7-15 cm)
6-9 in. (15-22 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Sun Exposure:
Full Sun
Danger:
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color:
Red
Bloom Time:
Blooms repeatedly
Foliage:
Velvet/Fuzzy-Textured
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting:
Bag seedheads to capture ripening seed
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Chandler, Arizona
Green Valley, Arizona
Phoenix, Arizona
Tucson, Arizona
Menifee, California
Ontario, California
Pittsburg, California
Reseda, California
San Leandro, California
Spring Valley, California
Las Vegas, Nevada
Austin, Texas (2 reports)
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Positive | On Apr 13, 2015, Max64 from Las Vegas, NV (Zone 9a) wrote: Does great here in the SW of Vegas. I water this one sparingly. During the winter I just use a styrofoam cup to protect the tip in case of a hard freeze. They have been growing in the ground for 5 years now and the blooms always make me smile. |
| Positive | On Sep 12, 2008, AarronIkarus from Onalaska, WA (Zone 8b) wrote: This plant is found in the wilds of Bolivia and Argentina. Ours bloomed twice last year, but not so far this year. They have a rather bizarre flower. |
| Neutral | On Feb 27, 2004, PurplePansies from Deal, NJ (Zone 7a) wrote: I've never relished the idea of desert gardening...... but thiss plant looks beautiful...... |
| Positive | On Feb 16, 2004, palmbob from Acton, CA (Zone 8b) wrote: Great landscape columnar cactus with with fur all over it, and bright red flowers. |
