Prickly Pear or Hedgehog Cacti? Which one is better for your garden? Hi, here I provide you with images and scientific and common names of outdoor flowering cactus plants. You will also find out about their appearance, habitat, and caring points.
Some of them can also thrive indoors, but most of them prefer to thrive outdoors. Hence, I mentioned the best USDA hardiness zone for everyone. However, please note that the specific species or cultivars may have slightly different hardiness zone tolerances. Additionally, the Microclimates can also have an impact on this issue.
Let’s start our journey to bring a colourful desert to our garden.
Prickly Pear Cactus: Outdoor Flowering Cactus Plants with Large and Showy Blooms
Scientific name: Opuntia spp.
Other Common names: Indian Fig, Paddle Cactus, or Nopal
Appearance:
The stems of Prickly Pear Cacti are flat and paddle-shaped. You usually spot spines that cover the stem. There are also glochids on stems.
These outdoor flowering cactus plants have large and showy blooms. The flowers have multiple petals with a prominent centre. They are yellow, orange, pink, or red.
Flowering time:
You usually see its flowers in late spring to early summer.
Habitat:
This plant is raised in arid and semi-arid regions of the Americas. However, you can see them in various habitats, including deserts, rocky slopes, and grasslands.
Caring Points:
- Prickly Pear Cacti are well-suited for outdoor cultivation because they require full sun and can thrive in a wide range of temperatures.
- No matter whether you plant it in a garden or a planter, you must provide well-drained soil for Prickly Pear Cacti.
- As mentioned above, they are drought-tolerant. However, these outdoor flowering cactus plants love occasional deep watering.
- Be cautious of their spines when handling or pruning.
- Prickly Pear Cacti can thrive in USDA hardiness zones 3 to 11.
- Although Prickly Pear Cacti are considered one of the non-toxic plants for cats, you must be concerned about their sharp spines
Barrel Cactus: Outdoor Flowering Cactus Plants with Bell-Shaped Blooms
Scientific name: Echinocactus spp.
Other Common names: –
Appearance:
The stems of Barrel Cacti are spherical or barrel-shaped, with clusters of spines and prominent ribs covering their stems.
This plant also has yellow, red, or pink flowers that are bell-shaped.
Flowering time:
In suitable conditions, you can hope to see its flowers in late spring to early summer.
Habitat:
The deserts of North America are the native habitat of these outdoor flowering cactus plants. They can be found in rocky or sandy areas.
Caring Points:
- These beautiful plants are typically more suitable for outdoor cultivation. Do you know why? Barrel Cacti need full sun (abundant sunlight) and are suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
- This plant must be cultivated in well-drained soil.
- As mentioned above, they are highly drought-tolerant, so you must water them sparingly. Hence, please protect them from excessive moisture to prevent rot.
Fishhook Cactus: Outdoor Flowering Cactus Plants with Cup-Shaped Blooms
Scientific name: Sclerocactus spp.
Other Common names: Little Mariposa Cactus or Ball Cactus (not common)
Appearance:
Fishhook Cacti have typical cylindrical stems that grow in clumps (columnar cacti). I love its cactus-like appearance. The stems are covered with small spines that are sometimes hooked.
If you are lucky, you may see its beautiful cup-shaped blooms that are pink, lavender, white, or yellow.
Flowering time:
This plant generally blooms in late spring or early summer; however, the exact flowering time can vary depending on the species.
Habitat:
Fishhook Cacti are native to arid regions of North America, including desert environments with sandy or rocky soils.
Caring Points:
- Fishhook Cacti are best grown outdoors in arid regions and require full sun, making them unsuitable for indoor conditions. If you live in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 10, Fishhook Cacti will grow well outdoors.
- You must plant it in well-drained sandy soils.
- Due to this plant is adapted to arid conditions, it requires minimal watering, and if you do overwater, you may increase the risk of root rot.
Hedgehog Cactus: Outdoor Flowering Cactus Plants with Colourful Blooms
Scientific name: Echinocereus spp.
Other Common names: Hedgehog Cacti or Kingcup Cactus
Appearance:
Its cylindrical or globular stems are covered with spines, ridges, or ribs that give it a cactus appearance.
These outdoor flowering cactus plants have large pink, red, yellow, to white blooms. The shape of flowers varies in different species. In some species, the flowers are elongated tubular, and in others are rounded blooms.
Flowering time:
It varies depending on the species, but you can hope to see its blooms in late spring or early summer.
Habitat:
North and Central America (their arid regions with rocky slopes) are the native habitat of these outdoor flowering cactus plants.
Caring Points:
- Hedgehog Cacti can thrive both indoors and outdoors. But you must provide full sun conditions and well-drained soil.
- You must water this plant sparingly, and you should allow the soil to dry out between waterings to avoid overwatering.
- Please take care of your hands when handling them due to their spines.
- If you grow it outdoors, Hedgehog Cacti can be planted in the ground or containers, but please note that it will thrive healthy in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 11.
Organ Pipe Cactus: Outdoor Flowering Cactus Plants with Fragrant Blooms
Scientific name: Stenocereus spp.
Other Common names: –
Appearance:
Organ Pipe Cacti have tall, columnar stems with several vertical ribs and clusters of spines. The flowers are usually funnel-shaped or bell-shaped, fragrant, and often white or cream-coloured. They can create breathtaking displays when they bloom.
Flowering time:
The flowering time for Organ Pipe Cacti is usually in late spring or early summer.
Habitat:
Organ Pipe Cacti were raised in rocky hillsides or slopes of the Sonoran Desert in North America.
Caring Points:
- If you live in warm, arid regions, Organ Pipe Cacti thrive outdoors with full sun and well-drained sandy soil. These outdoor flowering cactus plants are not suitable for indoor cultivation.
- Due to they are highly drought-tolerant, you should water them sparingly.
- Please note that this plant is native to warm regions; hence, you must protect it from frost during winter. USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11 are good for growing it outdoors
Cholla Cactus: Outdoor Flowering Cactus Plants with Small Blooms
Scientific name: Cylindropuntia spp.
Other Common names: Pronounced “choy-ya.” It is also referred to as Chain Fruit Cholla or Teddy Bear Cholla.
Appearance:
I love the segmented stems of Cholla Cacti that are covered with spines and glochids. Depending on the species, you may see that the stems are cylindrical or more flattened.
One of the wonderful things about these outdoor flowering cactus plants is their small flowers that come in clusters or solitary blooms in yellow, pink, orange, or purple shades.
Flowering time:
It varies depending on the species, but you often see them in late spring to early summer.
Habitat:
The arid regions of the Americas are the native habitat of Cholla Cacti. They often thrive in deserts, grasslands, and mountain slopes.
Caring Points:
Cholla Cacti prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They are adaptable plants and can tolerate various conditions. Water sparingly and avoid overwatering.
Cholla Cacti are primarily grown outdoors and can tolerate a wide range of conditions. They need full sun and well-drained soil. They can be planted in gardens or containers.
Cholla Cacti are adaptable and can do well in USDA hardiness zones 4 to 10.
Pincushion Cactus: Outdoor Flowering Cactus Plants with Small Pink Blooms
Scientific name: Mammillaria spp.
Other Common names: Nipple Cactus, Powder Puff Cactus, or Golden Stars.
Appearance:
One of the specific characteristics of Pincushion Cacti is its rounded or cylindrical stems that are covered with tubercles (small bumps) whose spines emerge from them. This is one of the popular outdoor and indoor plants.
These outdoor flowering cactus plants have small white blooms in clusters or solitary. You may spot them in various colours, including red, pink, yellow, white, or purple.
Flowering time:
Like most cacti, its flowering time is generally in spring or summer, although the exact time varies depending on the species.
Habitat:
The arid regions of North and Central America are the natural habitat of Pincushion Cacti. They prefer to thrive in deserts, rocky areas, or grasslands with well-drained soils.
Caring Points:
Pincushion Cacti require a sunny location and well-drained soil. Water them moderately during the growing season and reduce watering in winter. Protect them from frost.
Pincushion Cacti are adaptable and can thrive both indoors and outdoors. They require bright light and well-drained soil. Outdoors, they can be planted in gardens or containers.
Pincushion Cacti can tolerate a wide range of zones, but generally do best in USDA hardiness zones 5 to 11.
Peruvian Apple Cactus: Outdoor Flowering Cactus Plants with Tube-Like Shape Blooms
Scientific name: Cereus spp.
Other Common names: Apple Cactus, Hedge Cactus, or Night-Blooming Cereus.
Appearance:
Peruvian Apple Cacti have tall, columnar stems with vertical ribs and spines.
Their flowers are typically large, nocturnal, and striking. They have a long, tube-like shape with multiple petals and can be white, cream, pink, or red.
The flowers open at night and emit a sweet fragrance to attract pollinators.
Flowering time:
The flowering time for Peruvian Apple Cacti varies depending on the species, but it generally occurs in summer.
Habitat:
Peruvian Apple Cacti are native to arid regions of South America, including deserts, rocky slopes, and hillsides with well-drained soils.
Caring Points:
Peruvian Apple Cacti need full sun and well-drained soil. Water them sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Protect them from frost during winter.
Peruvian Apple Cacti are typically grown outdoors in sunny locations. They require full sun and well-drained soil. They thrive in warm climates and are not well-suited for indoor cultivation.
Peruvian Apple Cacti thrive in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Dragon Fruit Cactus: Outdoor Flowering Cactus Plants That Open at Night
Scientific name: Hylocereus spp.
Other Common names: Pitaya or Strawberry Pear.
Appearance:
Dragon Fruit Cacti have sprawling, climbing stems with aerial roots and triangular-shaped stems. So you can grow it as a hanging plant too.
They produce large, fragrant flowers that typically open at night. This plant has yellow, cream, or white flowers, and some species have vibrant pink, red, or purple petals.
Flowering time:
The flowering time for Dragon Fruit Cacti, you often see its flowers in summer, although it may vary depending on the species
Habitat:
The tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas and Asia are the natural habitat of Dragon Fruit Cacti. Various habitats, such as rainforests and drylands with well-drained soils, are ideal for growing it.
Caring Points:
Dragon Fruit Cacti need a sunny location and well-drained soil. Water them regularly during the growing season, allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings. Provide support for its climbing or trailing growth habit.
Dragon Fruit Cacti can be grown outdoors in warm, tropical or subtropical regions. They require full sun and can be trained on trellises or grown in large containers. Indoors, they can be grown if provided with ample sunlight.
Dragon Fruit Cacti are best suited for USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Conclusion
Here, you got familiar with 9 outdoor flowering cactus plants. I provided you with their images and names. I also told you about their appearance, flowering time, habitat, and caring tips. Which ones are your favourite outdoor flowering cactus plants? Can you add to my list with new ones? Please share your ideas and knowledge with us below this page.
Elahe Rabiei
Hi, I’m Elaheh. My Academic major is plant protection, and houseplants are my expertise. As a houseplant lover, my house is full of indoor plants and it is my passion to take care of them. Hence, I’m here to share my knowledge and experience about growing healthy houseplants. I am also a plant protection advisor, so feel free to ask me any questions you may have.