Cactus
Claret Cup Cactus
Echinocereus triglochidiatus
Neon-red spring flowers on a clumping native that laughs at both drought and −20°F.
- Pollinator
- Hummingbird
- Native
- Evergreen
Quick facts
- Hardiness
- USDA zones 5–9
- Water
- Very low once established
- Sun
- Full sun
- Size
- 6–12 in. tall × 12–24 in. wide
- Bloom & interest
- Waxy scarlet cup-shaped flowers in mid to late spring
- Plant type
- Cactus
- Native range
- Native to the Southwest and southern Rockies (CO, UT, NV, AZ, NM, TX)
Why we recommend it
A cold-hardy native cactus with brilliant red spring flowers that hummingbirds pollinate; it forms mounds that improve every year with no care.
Best regions: Front RangeHigh DesertSouthwest
How to grow it
Watering to establish
After planting, wait a week before the first light watering; water every 2–3 weeks the first summer, then not at all.
Pruning
None.
Soil
Gravelly, fast-draining soil or a raised rock garden. Keep it out of irrigated beds and away from bark mulch.
Pairs well with
Read more
Where to buy
Shop Claret Cup Cactus from trusted growers. For the best selection of xeric plants, try a mail-order specialist or ask a local independent nursery.
- High Country Gardens (opens in a new tab)Xeric specialist
- Nature Hills Nursery (opens in a new tab)Wide selection
- American Meadows (opens in a new tab)Perennials & seeds
- Etsy (opens in a new tab)Small growers
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