maureen Gilmer
Family
Cactaceae
Botanical Name
Echinocereus engelmannii
Plant Common Name
Calico Cactus, Engelmann's Hedgehog Cactus, Hedgehog Cactus
General Description
Cloaked in ferocious spines, this low spreading cactus is so adaptable it can be grown just about anywhere in the American southwest and even some states further north. This beautiful mounding cactus is from the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico, with populations occurring from sea level up to very alpine locations. It varies widely across its native range, resulting in the naming of several subspecies and varieties.
Engelman’s cactus is composed of many cylindrical stems formed at the base that range from 30 to as many as 60 in very old plants. The stems are light green and have 10 to 13 ribs lined with areoles that hold 2 to 7 central spines and 6 to 14 reflexed, radial spines. Very old plants reach the diameter of a compact car tire and knee height.
Like most Echinocereus, this is an outstanding bloomer that produces flowers in spring. The fabulous blossoms occur on the upper third of the stems. They are large, deep magenta and have a large cluster of golden stamens in the center that surround a pistil with distinctly green stigma lobes. Edible, golf ball sized fruits of red or orange are produced later in late spring and summer.
Grow this fabulous cactus in poor, rocky and well-drained soils. Plants thrive in full sun, but appreciate light shade in hot low-desert sites. Wild specimens are often notched into gaps between boulders, which protect them from direct afternoon sun. This is one of the finest native cacti for the landscape. It can also be grown in containers and troughs and makes a fine houseplant if provided high light and cool, dry winter conditions.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
8 - 12
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Sunset Zone
2a, 2b, 3a, 3b, 7, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
6"-24" / 15.2cm - 61.0cm
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Width
8"-36" / 20.3cm - 91.4cm
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Bloom Time
Early Spring, Spring
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Native To
Southwestern United States, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Slow
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Cushion/Mound-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Purple, Pink, Magenta
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Fruit Color
Red, Orange
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Edible, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
