About
Echinocactus grusonii, the golden barrel cactus, is one of the most iconic of all cacti � a slow-growing, perfectly globose to barrel-shaped succulent reaching 50 cm or more in height with deep, prominent ribs bearing golden-yellow spines. On mature plants, a crown of yellow, bell-shaped flowers to 6 cm long is produced in summer. A bold and architectural specimen for a sunny, very well-drained border or heated greenhouse.
About the genus
Echinocactus are slow-growing cacti with deeply ribbed, barrel-shaped to columnar stems armed with strong spines, and bell-shaped flowers produced in summer at the growing tip. Striking architectural specimens for sunny, very well-drained positions.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeLoam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectWest-facing, South-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH1C
Plant details
Plant typeCactus Succulent, Conservatory Greenhouse
HabitColumnar upright
FoliageEvergreen
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0.5-1 metres
Time to full height10-20 years
Suggested usesContainers, rock gardens, dry borders.
Native toMexico
Care notes
CultivationGrow under glass in a peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added extra grit. Water moderately when in growth, not at all when dormant in autumn/winter. Apply a balanced liquid fertiliser 2 or 3 times in the growing season. Can mark on the surface if the environment is too humid
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by seed
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to mealybugs
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-free