A handsome barrel cactus with a powdery blue-green ribbed body armed with golden-yellow spines, opening a ring of pale yellow flowers at its crown in summer. A striking, slow sculptural specimen.
At a glance
- Plant type: Succulent
- Mature size: 50 cm H × 50 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: very drought tolerant once established
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Blue Barrel Cactus
Botanically, Ferocactus glaucescens is a slow-growing succulent in the Cactaceae family. It reaches around 50 cm tall and 50 cm wide at maturity, with evergreen and silver-grey foliage. Yellow flowers appear in summer.
Where to grow Blue Barrel Cactus
Blue Barrel Cactus suits arid and semi-arid, Mediterranean and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is a sought-after collector's plant.
Soil & planting
Blue Barrel Cactus does best in sandy and free-draining soil. Dig in plenty of compost before planting, water in well, and mulch to keep roots cool.
Watering & feeding
Blue Barrel Cactus handles dry conditions well once established. Refresh mulch and provide a modest balanced feed at the start of spring. Check moisture below the mulch during establishment and water thoroughly when needed rather than following a rigid schedule.
Pruning & care
Prune Blue Barrel Cactus after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Blue Barrel Cactus in the garden
Blue Barrel Cactus earns its place for pots and courtyard containers and a feature or specimen planting. It is equally at home in the ground or a large pot on a balcony or courtyard.
Companion planting & design
Combine Blue Barrel Cactus with plants that share its preference for very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Use an odd-numbered group where space allows, or repeat it at intervals through a longer bed.
Good to know
It is thorny — useful as a barrier, but wear gloves when pruning.
Buying Blue Barrel Cactus
Plant Sale lists Blue Barrel Cactus as potted plants. Current stock is confirmed manually, so register interest above before planning around a specific size.
