Cleistocactus Species, Silver Torch, Snow Pole, Wooly Torch

Cleistocactus strausii

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Cleistocactus (Kly-stoh-KAK-tus)
Synonym
Cleistocactus strausii
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Foliage
Succulent
Height
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)
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
Bloom Time
Blooms repeatedly
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

Tucson, Arizona

Menifee, California

Ontario, California

Pittsburg, California

Reseda, California

San Leandro, California

Spring Valley, California

Las Vegas, Nevada

Austin, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
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M
M
Las Vegas, NV (Zone 9a) | April 2015 | positive

Does great here in the SW of Vegas. I water this one sparingly. During the winter I just use a styrofoam cup to protect the tip in case ...Read More

A
Onalaska, WA (Zone 8b) | September 2008 | positive

This plant is found in the wilds of Bolivia and Argentina. Ours bloomed twice last year, but not so far this year. They have a rather b...Read More

P
Deal, NJ (Zone 7a) | February 2004 | neutral

I've never relished the idea of desert gardening...... but thiss plant looks beautiful......

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

Great landscape columnar cactus with with fur all over it, and bright red flowers.

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