Ferocactus chrysancanthus
golden barrel cactus
A slow-growing, evergreen barrel-shaped cactus to around 90cm in height, with a solitary green stem and masses of dense spines, golden at the base and red towards the top. Orange to brownish-yellow flowers appear close to the stems in summer
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Gold Green Red | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Gold Green Red | Brown Orange Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Gold Green Red | |||
| Winter | Gold Green Red |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- Genus
Ferocactus are spherical to columnar cacti with prominent ribs bearing spiny areoles, the spines sometimes hooked, and funnel-shaped flowers in summer
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in cactus compost in a sunny position. Water moderately during the growing season and keep almost dry in winter. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed sown at 21°C in spring
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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