Scarlet hedgehog cactus
Family
Cactacaea
Native
USA & Mexico
Description
The usually branched plant, Echinocereus coccineus, forms small mounds that consist of a few to many trunks and can reach a diameter of up to one meter. The light green plant body is egg-shaped to cylindrical and reaches heights of up to 40 centimeters with a diameter of 2.5 to 5 centimeters. The 5 to 12 ribs often form warts. The thorns are yellow to blackish. The up to 4 central spines, which can also be missing, have an angular cross section and are up to 7 centimeters long. The middle one is often flattened. The 5 to 20 marginal spines are round at the base.
The flowers are usually red, yellow, pink, purple or white. It blooms in late spring to early summer. The broad, funnel-shaped, orange-red flowers appear below the shoot tip and are sometimes dioecious. They are 3 to 10 centimeters long and have a diameter of 2.5 to 8 centimeters.
Environment
Echinocereus cacti need sunny, warm climates, but certain species have some cold tolerance. Overall, they are quite hardy plants suitable for beginners to grow in the garden.
Popular for its flower bloom, this is an easy growing plant which grows best in porous, cactus mix soil. Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Water regularly when in growth. Excellent drainage is critical to avoid rot issues. Keep the plant dry in winter.
Landscape Uses
Usually these are outdoor plant, grass lands, landscapes.