Cleistocactus Species, Silver Torch

Cleistocactus hyalacanthus

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Cleistocactus (Kly-stoh-KAK-tus)
Species
hyalacanthus (hy-al-uh-KAN-thus)
Synonym
Cleistocactus strausii var. jujuyensis
Cleistocactus jujuyensis
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
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)
9-12 in. (22-30 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)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Red
Red-Orange
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
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 is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Chandler, Arizona

Green Valley, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

Reseda, California

San Leandro, California

Spring Valley, California

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
0
neutral
0
negative
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J
Green Valley, AZ | August 2009 | positive

I purchased three C. hyalacanthus plants from one of Tucson's oldest and most knowledgeable cactus nurseries in the autumn of 2008. My ga...Read More

X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | July 2004 | positive

The stiffer spines are mixed with the softer hair-like spines that make it look really spiney from a distance.
This needs water du...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | October 2003 | positive

Intensely spiny cactus, but looks really great with the light behind it. Nice, hummingbird-attracting flower,s too.

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Species Lilium
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