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. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Blue Barrel Cactus is very drought tolerant once established, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
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
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Blue Barrel Cactus with other plants that enjoy the same very drought tolerant and arid and semi-arid climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
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. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment we have it ready.