The next time you find yourself grumbling about having to prune your trees and shrubs – just be thankful that you don’t have to prune cacti at the Desert Botanical Garden.
While I have never had to prune a large bed of cacti, I have backed into cholla and other types of cacti early in my career. I’ve even had a piece stuck on the back of my leg – ouch!
I admit to being a bit clumsy and not always hyper-aware of my surroundings. Years ago, when I had a landscape crew, they would always be warning me about plant holes and prickly plants that I didn’t spot right away.
More recently, I was visiting a client and backed my heel into her golden barrel cactus. Several years later, despite my doctor trying to get it out, a piece of that thorn is still stuck in my heel. It doesn’t hurt anymore, and I just have a tiny bump on my heel as a memento.
However, some types of cacti, such as prickly pear and cholla, need to be pruned from time to time in a landscape setting.
Prickly pear can grow very large and spread. If you don’t have enough room, you may find yourself having to prune it back. When pruning prickly pears, make your pruning cuts where the individual pads meet. I like to use long-handled loppers, which work well and don’t require getting too close.
Cholla tend to drop segments on the ground, which is how they propagate. The segments will root in ideal conditions and grow a new cholla.
In a managed landscape, it is a good idea to clean the fallen pieces of cholla to help keep people from inadvertently getting it stuck to their shoes.
**Have you ever wondered why cacti have thorns? I wrote about the surprising reasons that cacti are prickly and some tips for pulling out cactus spines if you get stuck…
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pruning-cactus.jpg1200817arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2024-05-29 10:57:342024-05-29 10:57:41Stuck in a Prickly Situation…
Last week, while I was driving through a residential area nestled in the desert mountains, I could hardly keep my eyes on the road.
Everywhere I turned, there were brightly colored cactus blooming. It’s a small miracle that I didn’t crash into the curb as I drove closer.
Even though this is my 31st spring in the desert Southwest, watching prickly cactus transform into colorful accents never ceases to amaze me.
Claret Cup Cactus
Cactus Flowers, Strawberry Hedgehog
I like to see smaller cacti such as claret cup and strawberry hedgehog planted alongside boulders for a mix of textures. The cactus also like the opportunity for their roots to be shaded by the boulder.
The colors of flowering cacti range from shades of orange, pink, red and yellow.
There are so many different types of flowers that it can be hard to identify them all. But, that doesn’t stop you from enjoying their pretty flowers.
The flower petals are somewhat waxy and sturdy. Bees flock to the open blooms.
Prickly pear cacti are particularly spectacular this time of year, and their flower color varies depending on the species.
I can hardly wait to see all the blossoms begin to open.
Pincushion cactus (Mammillaria)
I must confess that I don’t have a lot of cactus in my garden – I am more of a flowering shrub and perennial gal. But, I do have a few cactus tucked in here and there that I have obtained over the years.
My favorite it a small pincushion cactus, which produces rings of pink flowers off and on throughout spring and summer. The small, native bees just love the flowers.
How about you? Do you have a favorite flowering cactus?
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/Opuntia_basilaris_flowers.jpg640640arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2016-04-04 18:50:002022-10-16 04:16:57Cactus Flowers Color the Desert Landscape
When you envision a drought-tolerant landscape, does a landscape covered in colored gravel with a cactus or two come to mind?
Believe it or not, this type of landscape style was popular back in the 70’s and some people have never moved beyond this outdated trend.
Well, let us fast-forward to present day when a drought-tolerant landscape can look like this…
I drove by this beautiful landscape, filled with succulents and other drought-tolerant plants on a recent trip to Santa Barbara, CA.
I love the magenta-colored brachts of the Bougainvillea, the green spiky Spanish Bayonet Yucca (Yucca Aloifolia) along with the gray/blue of Century Plant (Agave americana).
The orange flowers of Aloe arborescens are also a favorite of mine. I also like how the blue/gray leaves of the ‘Blue Chalk Sticks’ variety of Ice Plant (Senecio mandraliscae) provides a cool color contrast.
You may be surprised to discover that this beautiful, drought-tolerant landscape is part of an entry to a large estate and that there is another side filled with drought-tolerant plants.
On this side, you can see Trailing Rosemary (Rosmarinus officials ‘Prostratus’) spilling over the front with Tropical Bird-of-Paradise (Strelitzia reginae) right behind.
A low-growing pink Bougainvillea shows off its bright colors along with the spiky orange flowers of the Aloe nearby.
Look closely, and you can see the paddles of a Prickly Pear cactus (not sure what species) and the variegated spikes of Agave americana ‘Variegata’.
In this last view of this spectacular garden, we see a California Pepper tree (Schinus molle), which is quite familiar to Californians. (We had these trees lining our neighborhood street where I grew up in Southern California.) They are found in the low-desert areas of Arizona, but it is rare to see them.
In the background, you can see two very different types of palm trees. The large one is a Canary Island Date Palm (Phoenix canariensis) while the skinny one is a Mexican Fan Palm (Washingtonia mexicana).
If you look closely, you can see the flowering stalk of an agave as well as the upright columns of a Cereus cactus.
To the left of the mailbox, there is a Jade plant growing, a flowering Crown of Thorns (Euphorbia millii), which I also have growing in my garden.
So, if you think that having a drought-tolerant landscape means looking like this…
It doesn’t!
The majority of plants in the lovely garden in California, can be grown in desert climates.
So, which drought-tolerant landscape would you prefer – a colorful one or one that is boring?
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Sun-Lakes-Barren-Landscape-2.jpg399640arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2014-01-15 17:56:002021-01-16 06:18:57Drought-Tolerant Landscapes – Colorful or Boring?
It may be hard to find someone who hasn’t. I had quite a few of his books as a child and “Green Eggs & Ham” was my favorite.
As a mom, I made sure that Dr. Seuss books had a place on my kid’s bookshelves.
One of the things I love about Dr. Seuss, is his illustrations. His imaginative drawings of plants, especially.
Earlier this month, my mother and I spent some time at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix. As I walked along the garden paths, there were times that I felt that I had walked straight into a Dr. Seuss book….
Crawling succulents
Spiky Yuccas
Sundial made out of cacti.
Doesn’t this look like a brain?
A towering forest of Cardon cacti.
One word…”ouch!”
The drooping leaves of a Ponytail Palm.
The strange shapes of Prickly Pear cactus and Agave.
This Boojum tree would fit nicely in a Dr. Seuss book, don’t you think?
An ‘old’ cactus growing a beard.
Arching Yuccas lean over the pathway as you leave.
I love spending time at the Desert Botanical Garden. Of course, in addition to weird and strange plants – they also have beautiful flowering trees, shrubs and perennials.
So, take some time for a visit and see what Dr. Seuss book they remind you of.
************************ There is still time to enter the giveaway for one of my favorite new gardening books,
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/Echinopsis-theiegorta.jpg424640arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2012-10-26 17:52:002021-01-31 08:18:50A Landscape Out of a Dr. Seuss Book…
Do you ever use a search engine to find answers to your gardening questions? I remember the old days, before search engines when I had to drive to my local library and look through gardening books and encyclopedias to find the answers to my non-gardening questions.
Okay, now that I have dated myself by admitting that I used to use encyclopedias, I must say that I am quite addicted to finding information in just a few seconds using search engines.
Many people find my blog by entering a gardening question using a search engine. I am able to see what questions that people type in the search window that leads them to my blog by using an application that tracks my stats.
Some of the searches are humorous while others are totally unrelated to gardening. But, there are often the same type of questions asked. So I thought that I would reveal the three most common questions for this month in hopes that it may help some of you as well.
Question #1:
“Can I prune my Texas Sage shrub when it is in flower?”
Gardening question #1
Answer:
“You could, but why would you want to remove the beautiful flowers?”
Please don’t participate in the epidemic of pruning shrubs into round shapes. It is not healthy for most desert-adapted shrubs and strips them of much of their beauty.
“What is the white stuff on my prickly pear cactus and how do I get rid of it?”
Answer:
Many people assume that it is a fungus. Well, it isn’t. The ‘white stuff’ is actually produced by an insect called cochineal scale. The insects produce the cottony stuff to protect themselves and their eggs while they suck upon the cactus.
The good news is that it is very easy to get rid of it. A strong jet of water from the hose will remove both the insect and the ‘white stuff’.
There are actually some very interesting information about this insect and how native Americans would use them. You can read more from this post “Purple Prickly Pear“.
Question #3:
“What plant smells like rain?”
Answer:
Creosote shrubs dot the desert from California to New Mexico. They have small resinous leaves that smell like rain when wet or crushed.
One of my favorite things to do is to take a few leaves, crush them and then have people smell the intense fragrance that smells just like rain.
Christmas in the desert is much the same as it is around the world. Christmas lights adorn homes and trees, with a few notable exceptions. This is the desert after all….we sometimes do things a little differently.
First of all, we have a town Christmas tree made entirely out of tumbleweed. It is painted white and really looks quite beautiful at night when lit up. We have a huge celebration each year when the lights are lit for the first time.
See…. I told you it was made out of tumbleweed. For those of you who do not know what tumbleweed is, it is the light brown, prickly, round shrub that you see rolling through the town when you watch old Western movies. *Disclaimer – contrary to popular belief, it is rare to see tumbleweed rolling through the desert.
We desert dwellers also decorate our cactus whenever we get a chance. Saguaro cactus is relatively easy to decorate. There was a home we used to drive by that had 3 saguaro cacti and every year they would decorate them as the 3 wise men – they looked just great.
Water is a much celebrated natural resource and some landscapes have fake desert washes running through their front yard. During Christmas, some decorate their washes with blue lights to signify water.
*Fake desert washes were extremely trendy, but are thankfully, on the decline. I admit that I did design some for homeowners who insisted on having them, but I would use large boulders and embed them along the sides to imitate a natural creek bed.
Ocotillo make a great stand-in as a Christmas tree. Just hang some ornaments and string the lights. I may have to try this on my Ocotillo next year.
You know those nets of Christmas lights that you can spread over shrubs? Look carefully, this homeowner spread his lights over his boulder. I’m not sure where I stand on this one….
Agave Americana all lit up. I love how this looks.
Some people feel that they have to throw lights on everything in their front yard. They just do not know when to stop. I’m not sure the lights make this Prickly Pear cactus look any better.
The majority of homes in the desert are beautifully lit and look like many of the homes where you live. This is one of my favorites. The arborist in me just loves how the lights define the beautiful tree trunks of the Palo Verde and Mesquite trees.
*None of these pictures are from my home. My husband is somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to decorating the outside of our home for Christmas…a string of lights around the house is as fancy as he gets. But, I get to go crazy with decorations indoors.
I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse of what Christmas in the desert looks like.
What does Christmas look like where you live?
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/DSC_0015.jpg640466arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2009-12-17 14:40:002021-03-22 02:52:50Christmas In The Desert….Tumbleweed, Cactus, Boulders And Washes
Do you like prickly cactus? I have a few favorites, one being the Santa-Rita Prickly Pear (Opuntia violaceae var. santa rita). The color contrast of their blue-grey pads and the shades of purple are so striking in the landscape.
The Santa-Rita Prickly Pear: A Stunning Accent Plant
The Santa-Rita prickly pear is a captivating addition to any landscape. Its blue-grey pads and vibrant shades of purple create a visually striking contrast. Not only is this cactus aesthetically pleasing, but both its pads and fruit are edible (though you may want to remove the spines first). Cold temperatures and drought conditions intensify the vivid purple color of this remarkable cactus.
Native Plant Beauty of the Southwest
Native to the Southwestern regions of North America, the Santa-Rita prickly pear can reach impressive dimensions, growing as large as 6 feet by 6 feet. However, if you prefer a smaller size, careful pruning at the junction where the pads connect can maintain a more manageable shape.
Blossoms and Wildlife with Prickly Cactus
In spring, the Santa-Rita prickly pear graces the landscape with lovely yellow flowers that later give way to red fruit during the summer months. Keep in mind that javelina, rabbits, and pack rats are occasional visitors that might nibble on the pads, while pack rats ingeniously use the pads to build their homes.
Handle with Care: Dealing with Spines and Glochids
Prickly pear pads are covered with clusters of 2″ spines and tiny spines known as glochids. Glochids are especially irritating to the skin and easily detach from the pad, making them challenging to remove. When handling these prickly cacti, use multiple layers of newspaper or a piece of carpet to protect your hands. Avoid gloves, as glochids can render them useless.
Removing Glochids Caused by Prickly Cactus
If you encounter glochids with prickly cactus, there are different methods to remove them, including applying Elmer’s glue, allowing it to dry, and then peeling off the glochids. However, many find greater success using duct tape for a more efficient removal process.
Versatile Uses in Landscaping
Beyond being a landscape accent, the Santa-Rita prickly pear serves as an excellent screen. Surprisingly, it can thrive in containers as well, although it’s essential to keep them away from high-traffic areas. These resilient cacti flourish in full sun or light shade and well-drained soil.
Low-Maintenance Prickly Cactus Beauty
Santa-Rita prickly pears are incredibly low-maintenance plants. When pruning, use tongs or newspaper to handle the trimmed pads. While they are highly drought-tolerant, occasional watering during the hot summer months, especially in the absence of rain, can enhance their appearance. Shriveled pads signal acute drought stress, so a little extra water can work wonders.
Addressing the Cottony Mystery on Prickly Cactus
Some might mistake white, cotton-like areas on the pads as a fungal infection, but it’s actually caused by a small insect known as cochineal scale. Removing this cottony mass is simple—just spray it off with a strong jet of water from the hose.
Propagation: A Simple Guide
You can propagate Santa-Rita prickly pear cacti with ease. Simply cut off a pad that is at least 6 inches tall, let it callus upright in a shady, dry spot for about two weeks, and then plant it with the cut end down.
Plant with the cut end down, do not water for the first month because the bottom is susceptible to fungal infections. After the first month, water every 2 – 3 weeks until established.
Timing Matters
Planting in the summer requires shade until the cactus is established (approximately three months). However, it’s often advisable to wait until spring when the soil warms up for planting, especially in regions with cold winters.
Renewed Growth: Pruning and Propagation
For those with established Santa-Rita prickly pear cacti, you can rejuvenate growth by pruning or starting anew. Simply remove the cactus, cut off some pads, and replant them in the same location. Many have embraced this method and have been delighted with the results.
An Interesting Historical Fact
The Aztecs would cultivate prickly pear cactus infected with cochineal scale because the insects secrete a dark red dye with crushed. This was used to dye cloth. The Spanish exported this dye from Mexico back to Europe where it was used to dye royal garments and British military uniforms. The dye was highly valued by the Spanish, next to gold and silver. It takes 70,000 insects to produce 1 pound of dye.
*This is but one of many beautiful prickly pear species available to the home gardener. Do you have a favorite species of prickly pear cactus?
https://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Purple_Prickly_Pear_Opuntia_violaceae_santa-ritaFeb202C20042C2-05PM.jpg549640arizonaplantlady@gmail.comhttp://www.azplantlady.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/favicon.pngarizonaplantlady@gmail.com2009-09-21 07:31:002023-09-01 14:45:45Purple, Prickly and Beautiful: Santa-rita Prickly Pear
There are some signs that summer is beginning to fade and that fall is around the corner. The stress that the high temperatures of summer bring has caused many plants to slow down their growth.
However, the slightly lower temperatures in September bring on a flush of new growth for many trees, shrubs, and succulents in the garden. I enjoy being out in my garden this time of year and seeing many of my plants rejuvenated.
With the somewhat cooler temperatures, I am now seeing many gardeners venturing outside and taking stock of the condition of their landscape. Fall is a busy time in the desert garden because it is the ideal time to install many types of plants, which will be discussed in a separate post in early October.
SHRUBS: I just finished lightly pruning my ‘Rio Bravo’ sage (Leucophyllum langmaniae). Summer flowering shrubs that are cold-hardy look their best when lightly pruned at this time to help reign in rangy, sprawling growth. This should be only done with hand pruners only. Do not use a hedge trimmer and shear your shrubs. They should have a pleasing natural shape when you are finished. Do not prune back frost-sensitive plants at this time.
ANNUALS: Although the local nurseries are abundant with winter annuals, I don’t recommend planting them now. The temperatures are still quite hot, and there is a good chance that they will not make it.
In the past when mid-September came, I would load up the truck with 100+ flats of annuals to plant around the community where I worked as the horticulturist. I would then spent the next four weeks making repeated trips to the nursery to replace dead plants that just could not handle the heat of early fall. From then on I would wait until October to change out summer annuals and replace with winter annuals. As a result, we suffered very little plant loss.
TREES: Mesquite and Palo Verde trees that are overgrown can be lightly easily pruned back. Resist the temptation to heavily prune at this time. January and February is the time for heavy pruning to occur for these trees.
SUCCULENTS: Cacti, agaves and other succulent plants do best when planted when soil temperatures are warm, which makes September a great time to install them before cooler temperatures arrive. Prickly Pear cactus can be pruned back this month if needed. Problems with agave may show up this time of year.
If your agave suddenly collapses, there is a good chance that they have gotten an infection with agave snout weevil. There is no cure and the agave should be removed, it will be smelly due to the decay the weevil causes – and not just a little stinky.
One of my (least) favorite memories happened years ago when I worked as a horticulturist on a golf course. One year, we had to remove countless agaves throughout the landscapes due to a large infestation – the smell was awful. If this happens to your agave, do not plant another agave in the area – use another type of plant instead.
ROSES: Roses should be lightly pruned and fertilized this month (see earlier post for details).
CITRUS: Make sure to fertilize your citrus trees if you have not already done so (see earlier post for details).
NEXT MONTH – get ready for planting and wildflower garden preparation!
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