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The Golden Barrel Cactus Plants (Echinocactus grusonii) are drought tolerant and easy to grow desert plants. If you have a desert landscape this is one plant that needs to be there. Also called the mother in law cushion plant.
The top of the cactus is covered with wool-like needles. It will produce numerous yellow flowers during the spring season or when the desert monsoon rains come around.
It will thrive in zones 7-11 and tolerates poor soil and temperatures above 115° Fahrenheit. Water it about 2 times per week after initial planting then stop watering completely after the 3rd month or so. It will grow about 3-4 ft. tall and about 2.5 ft. in width.
The Golden Barrel Cactus
Where to plant it? Place it in full sun or lots of morning sun and less shade in the afternoon, and will it look and do well in rock or xeriscape gardens. Keep it away from water ponding area. If the ground stays moist it will develop root rot. It really does not like fertilizer, however, a good shot of cactus juice will help if the plant starts to look yellowish or wrinkled.
Grows in USDA zones 8 -10
Golden Barrel in a desert landscape scene.
A mixture of different types of Golden Barrel Cactus Plants. In the background is the Red Bird of Paradise plant.
See more here at – Desert Plant names and Pictures.
Paul Guzman – Husband, Father, Grandfather, Gardener, and Webmaster of GuzmansGreenhouse.com
