Harrisia Species, Climbing Harrisia, Strangler Prickly Apple

Harrisia balansae

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Harrisia (hair-RIS-ee-uh)
Species
balansae (bal-AN-see)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Height
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Spacing
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Hardiness
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
Pale Yellow
White/Near White
Bloom Time
Mid Summer
Late Summer/Early Fall
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
From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Chandler, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

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Gardener's Notes:

0
positive
2
neutrals
0
negative
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Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | August 2005 | neutral

The stems can reach 82 feet long and the fruit are edible.
The blooms are nocturnal (another night-blooming Ceriod).
This p...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | February 2004 | neutral

Branching, columnar 4 sided spiny cactus that eventually forms an impenetrable thicket. From Argeninta. Has large pale yellow to white f...Read More

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