Maureen Gilmer
Family
Cactaceae
Botanical Name
ECHINOPSIS oxygona
Plant Common Name
Easter Lily Cactus
Special Notice
This entry has yet to be reviewed and approved by L2G editors.
General Description
Famous for its large, outstanding flowers, this sizable genus of South American cacti includes about 128 species. It is spread over a very large range to include Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay and Argentina. There are some American botanists who have retired the genus Trichocereus and lumped all of its species into Echinopsis, significantly enlarging its size. However, the Europeans have resisted such a move and references from the Old World have retained the original split. Therefore the two may be considered synonymous. This group is expected to be redefined often as DNA evidence sorts out the genetic differences. It will be complicated by the many hybrids, which are widely grown and collected due to their spectacular flowers.
This genus features cacti with a wide range of forms. They may be large and tree-like to very small and round, but nearly all are spiny and bear distinctive ribs. The areoles along their margins produce spines and flowers. This is a spring blooming cactus group, which bears trumpet shaped flowers that open at night or in the day, sometimes both. Its nocturnal flowering indicates adaptation to bat and moth pollinators. Blossoms are borne on the upper third of each stem and flowers may feature very long throats that give them a truly unique appearance. Fruits are moderately sized, fleshy or dry, containing glossy black and sometimes warty seed.
Key species for the genus must begin with Echinopsis oxygona, with its spectacularly large colored blossoms is the progenitor of many hybrids prized as container garden flowers. Echinopsis chiloensis of Peru is a large basally branching cactus suited to outdoor cultivation in a frost-free climate. Similarly the San Pedro, Echinopsis pachanoi is a columnar form less inclined to branch, but heralded as an important medicinal plant for the cultures within its range.
Echinopsis species are easy to grow provided soil is well drained. The smaller fancy flowered hybrids ask for bright filtered shade because they are easily destroyed by sunburn and frost. They share a preference for dry winter conditions.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
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USDA Hardiness Zone
12 - 15
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Sunset Zone
12, 13, 16, 17, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
1'-33' / 0.3m - 10.1m
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Width
6"-36" / 15.2cm - 91.4cm
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Brazil
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, 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
Upright/Erect
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
White, Yellow, Red, Purple, Orange, Rose
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Fruit Color
Red
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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
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
No
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
