Cephalocereus senilis
Old Man Cactus
Description
This cactus will slowly grow 20-50' tall. It has long white hairs and yellow spines. Only plants over 15' tall will bloom; it produces rose colored flowers that bloom at night. It does best in full sun and dry, rocky, well draining soil. It will need afternoon shade in low desert areas. Water occasionally in summer but it will need no watering in winter.
Plant Type
Cactus
Height Range
25-40', 40-60'
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Season
Spring
Leaf Color
White
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
n/a
Fruit Season
n/a
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Rocky
Soil Condition
Poor, Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral, Basic
Adverse Factors
Thorns/Spines
Design Styles
Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Showy Flowers, Silhouette, Specimen, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Background, Raised Planter, Walls / Fences, With Rocks
Special Uses
Container, Mass Planting, Fire Resistant, Small Spaces
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs. If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.