Silver Torch (Cleistocactus hyalacanthus)

Silver Torch
Cleistocactus hyalacanthus

Jon0523,
Nice looking cactus garden you have there.
That must be the Cleistocactus hyalacanthus on the far left?
The cactus in the center of the photo is a Totem Pole Pachycereus schottii f. monstrosus
Here at this link: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/59906/

What are your high temps there in Green Valley during the peak of summertime?

Xeno.

edited to add:
The coffee must be starting to take effect, I just looked up your temps on google.
It looks like it's going to be around 100F this week.


This message was edited Aug 16, 2009 9:25 AM

Hello Xeno,

As I recall, the elevation here in Green Valley, AZ is about 2,900 ft to 3,000 ft. That is about 400 feet higher than the Tucson average. It is my understanding that this is why Green Valley is on average about 3 F degrees cooler than Tucson at any point in time. I would guess our warmest day this summer was 107 to 108 F degrees.

You can see the Neobuxbaumia polylopha under the shade cloth. It is one of many that I planted in February '09. I am looking forward to removing the shade cloth from them in October. Local growers have told me they do well in Green Valley. I hope so, but am somewhat worried what the winter will bring. My wife has made some large frost cloth "condoms" for covering the Neobuxbaumia should the temperature dip. Do you have experience with how they do in the Phoenix area? Will they become more cold tolerant the longer they have been planted?


I will be sure to keep them as dry as possible from October on into the winter.

I have been using Dave's Garden for about one year now and found it to be very helpful. My previous gardening experience has been very different . Alaska for 25 years and Germany for 7 years. It is pleasant to be warm. It is clear that you are very interested in succulents as you have contributed extensively to Dave's garden with excellent information and photographs. I appreciate that contribution very much.

Xeno, I almost forgot to answer your question. You are correct, the Cleistocactus hyalacanthus is on the far left in the square blue pot.

Thank you,

jon0523

This message was edited Aug 18, 2009 9:24 PM

I have never seen a Neobuxbaumia polylopha growing in a landscape in Phoenix, not even one in a plant show. The 110-118F degree heat is probably prohibitive as with many other plants I would like to have. But I am glad you have told me about it. It could almost pass for a Saguaro if someone wasn't aware of it. I'll be looking forward to some photos of it when you take the cover off.
I've been on a couple of botany field trips south of Tucson, one on the Devil's Highway and one on The Ruby Road Trail which I have enjoyed very much.

Xeno.

This message was edited Aug 18, 2009 10:13 PM

This part of your garden is great too! I love it.

It looks like you are all alone out there. You must have a great natural view.

Is there a reason you have a fence around your land if you have no neighbors? I noticed your stucco one in the other photo. Does it keep some animal out? I guess snakes can still get in easily. LOL

Hello Xeno and Kell,
I have seen Neoboxbaumia polylopha growing at several old well established nurseries in Tucson. At Bach's Nursery on Thornydale there are many . Actually I bought mine at a nursery in Chandler, AZ. The nurseryman told me they would probably do better in Green Valley , AZ where I live. I thought they looked very healthy in Chandler or I would not have bought them. I saw an internet photograph of Neobuxbaumia polylopha growing in Mexico side by side with Ferocactus glaucescens at the following site: http://www.cact.cz/noviny/2009/06/Mexiko_HS_03.htm Because the F. glaucescens do well in Green Valley I thought perhaps so would the N. polylopha. I hope they become more cold hardy the more mature they become.
The wrought iron fence which is mounted on a 30 inch block wall and the 6 foot solid block wall are to keep out the occasional deer, and the regular javelina and coyote visitors. Ocassionally a cottontail will get in but so far not any jackrabbits. The javelina are the real problem. Last year they tore out almost all the red yucca (Hesperaloe parviflora) at the front of the house .I have also not yet had any rattlesnakes inside the yard but am very very careful! A neighbor was recently bitten by a rattlesnake.
jon0523

Hi back Jon! I have never even heard of a javelina before. If I ever saw one up close I would be not happy. So ugly!http://grrl.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/dsc_3239-javelina.jpg.

Sounds good that you have many cactus and not bushes where snakes can't hide.

Here we only have raccoons, possums and skunks. We have a skunk living under our porch that I would just love to get rid of for it stinks so bad frequently but have no clue how. I guess I best not complain for at least I do not have any, coyotes or rattlers. LOL

Again, I love your garden!