Carnegiea Species, Giant Cactus, Saguaro
Carnegieagigantea

Family: Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus: Carnegiea (kar-neg-GEE-uh)
Species: gigantea (jy-GAN-tee-uh)

Synonym:Cereus giganteus

Category

Cactus and Succulents

Water Requirements

Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping

Sun Exposure

Full Sun

Foliage

Evergreen
Unknown

Foliage Color

Blue-Green
Dark/Black

Height

over 40 ft. (12 m)

Spacing

10-12 ft. (3-3.6 m)
12-15 ft. (3.6-4.7 m)

Hardiness

USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
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)

Where to Grow

Grow outdoors year-round in hardiness zone
Can be grown as an annual

Danger

Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling

Bloom Color

White/Near White

Bloom Characteristics

This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Flowers are fragrant

Bloom Size

Unknown

Bloom Time

Late Spring/Early Summer
Mid Summer

Other details

Unknown

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
From semi-hardwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; sow indoors before last frost

Seed Collecting

Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds