About
Stenocereus stellatus is a tall, columnar cactus producing multiple ribbed, densely spiny stems with star-like spine clusters and nocturnal, pale pink flowers followed by edible, spiny red fruit. An ornamental and architectural choice for a warm, dry garden or large glasshouse.
About the genus
Stenocereus is a genus of columnar cacti native to Mexico and Central America. Plants produce tall, ribbed, spiny stems in candelabra forms, with nocturnal, funnel-shaped flowers followed by edible, spiny fruit. Striking architectural subjects for warm, dry gardens.
Growing conditions
SunlightFull sun
Soil typeChalk, Loam, Sand
Soil pHAcid, Alkaline, Neutral
Soil moistureWell-drained
AspectSouth-facing, West-facing
ExposureSheltered
UK hardinessH4
Plant details
Plant typeBulbs
HabitClump forming
FoliageDeciduous
Height0.1-0.5 metres
Spread0-0.1 metre
Time to full height2-5 years
Suggested usesGravel garden, Patio and container plants, City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden, Rock garden
ToxicityOrnamental bulbs - not to be eaten. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling 17789,sternbergia-lutea,Sternbergia lutea,winter daffodil,Stenochlaena tenuifolia is a climbing or scrambling tropical fern producing slender
Care notes
CultivationPlant 15cm deep in late summer or early autumn in a warm, very sunny position, such as in front of a south-facing wall, in very well-drained soil, and leave undisturbed unless they start producing fewer flowers. In an alpine house or bulb frame, grow in full light in equal parts loam, leafmould and sharp sand, and water moderately when in growth, gradually reducing water as the leaves die back and the bulb becomes dormant
PruningNo pruning required
PropagationPropagate by division of offsets from large clumps when dormant in summer
Pest resistanceMay be susceptible to narcissus bulb flies, large narcissus bulb flies, and narcissus eelworms
Disease resistanceMay be susceptible to daffodil viruses