Cylindropuntia imbricata 'White Tower'
A shrubby, cold-hardy cactus with stout, cylindrical green stem segments, heavily armed with viscious sharp, barbed spines. Unusual for this species, white 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
20–50 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | White | Green | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | 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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