About

Ferocactus hamatacanthus, the Turk's head barrel cactus, is a globose to short-cylindrical barrel cactus with prominent hooked central spines and funnel-shaped yellow or red flowers with a red-banded lip in summer. A distinctive and ornamental barrel cactus for a sunny, dry garden or heated greenhouse.

About the genus

Ferocactus, the barrel cacti, are spherical to columnar cacti from the deserts of Mexico and the south-western United States, with prominent ribs bearing spiny areoles � the spines sometimes strongly hooked � and funnel-shaped flowers in summer. Architectural and drought-tolerant plants for sunny, dry gardens and heated glasshouses.

Plant details

Suggested usesContainers, rock gardens, dry gardens.

Care notes

CultivationPlant in very well-drained, gritty compost. Full sun.
PruningMinimal pruning needed. Remove dead leaves.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed as appropriate.
Pest resistanceMealybugs and vine weevil may occur.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant. Ensure good air circulation.