The Blue Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus glaucescens) is a striking, globe-shaped cactus that adds a touch of elegance to Tucson’s desert landscapes. Its distinctive powdery blue-green color and prominent ribs lined with golden-yellow spines create a stunning visual contrast. In late spring to summer, it produces cheerful yellow flowers that form a crown at the top, followed by small, ornamental fruits. This drought-tolerant cactus thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening. Whether used as a single focal point or grouped in a rock garden, Ferocactus glaucescens brings vibrant color and architectural beauty to any Southwest garden.
Ferocactus glaucenscens
Ferocactus glaucenscens
Blue Barrel
The Blue Barrel Cactus (Ferocactus glaucescens) is a striking, globe-shaped cactus that adds a touch of elegance to Tucson’s desert landscapes. Its distinctive powdery blue-green color and prominent ribs lined with golden-yellow spines create a stunning visual contrast. In late spring to summer, it produces cheerful yellow flowers that form a crown at the top, followed by small, ornamental fruits. This drought-tolerant cactus thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, requiring minimal care, making it ideal for xeriscaping and water-wise gardening. Whether used as a single focal point or grouped in a rock garden, Ferocactus glaucescens brings vibrant color and architectural beauty to any Southwest garden.
| Plant Type | Cactus / Succulent |
| Exposure | Full Sun, Partial Sun |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Flower Season | Late Spring, Early Summer |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Height | 2 ft |
| Spread | 2 ft |
| Spacing | 2 ft |
| Characteristics | Award Winning, Showy |
| Attracts | Bees, Pollinators |
| Maintenance | Low |
| Garden Uses | Banks and Slopes, Patio and Containers, Small Gardens, Specimen |
| Tolerance | Drought, Dry Soil, Heat, Rocky Soil |
| Soil Type | Loam, Sand |
| Soil PH | Alkaline, Neutral |
| Soil Drainage | Well-Drained |
Image by: By Dick Culbert from Gibsons, B.C., Canada - Ferocactus glaucescens, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34449750
This catalog is for reference purposes. Plants may not be available at all times in the nursery. Please check with our store for current availability.
