Cylindropuntia imbricata 'Krätschmer'
A shrubby, cold-hardy cactus with stout, cylindrical green stem segments, heavily armed with viscious sharp, barbed spines. Magenta to purple, daisy-like flowers appear mainly in late spring to early summer, followed by yellow, cone-shaped fruits. Copes well with cold British winters, providing it does not become waterlogged
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Size
Ultimate height
2.5–4 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Purple Red | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Purple Red | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | |||
| Winter | Green |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H4Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Name status
Unresolved
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass grow in standard cactus compost in full light or bright filtered light. From early spring to mid-autumn, water freely and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 3-4 times; keep dry at other times. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation
Propagation
Propagate by removing and rooting stem segments
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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