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Cactus SucculentConservatory Greenhouse

Echinopsis backebergii subsp. backebergii
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

Backeberg Easter lily cactus

A cactus with solitary or clustered, deeply ribbed, globose stems to 5cm across, bearing brown to grey spines; flowers up to 9cm across, carmine-red to violet with a paler centre

Synonyms
Lobivia winteriana
Size
Ultimate height
Up to 10cm
Time to ultimate height
2–5 years
Ultimate spread
0–0.1 metre
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Well–drained
pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Purple Red
Summer Purple Red
Autumn
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

West–facing or South–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Drought resistance
Yes
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cactaceae
Native to the UK
No
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Bushy
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 in a loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water moderately when in growth, sparingly when dormant. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season

Propagation

Propagate by seed or offsets

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to mealybugs

Diseases

Generally disease-free

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