Echinopsis peruviana
A large, slow-growing perennial cactus, up to 4m high at maturity, with thick, blue-green, upright and sometimes branching stems to 20cm thick. Stems have 6-8 broad ribs, and felted areoles producing clusters of brown spines. Large, trumpet-shaped white flowers to 25cm across are produced on mature plants in summer
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Blue Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Blue Green | White | ||
| Autumn | Blue Green | |||
| Winter | Blue Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Exposed or ShelteredDrought resistance
Yes Hardiness
H3Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Clump forming
- Genus
Echinopsis can have spherical or cylindrical, heavily ribbed and spiny stems, with funnel-shaped flowers in spring or summer
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass, or in patio containers and overwinter in a greenhouse, in a loam-based potting compost with added grit. Water moderately when in growth, sparingly when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser two or three times in the growing season. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for more advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed, sown uncovered at 24ºC, or by stem cuttings, allowing at least 20cm for each cutting
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Low Maintenance
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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