Cleistocactus strausii (Silver Torch)

Fast-growing, award-winning Cleistocactus strausii (Silver Torch) forms slender, erect, silver columns, 3 in. wide (8 cm), densely covered with short white spines. Each columnar stem features 25 narrow ribs with about 30 longer, white spines and 4 thicker pale yellow spines. The main stem often branches at the base, with upright-growing stems attached to the mother plant. In spring and summer, narrow, tubular, deep magenta flowers, 3 in. long (8 cm), are produced along the stems on mature specimens. They last 4-5 days and never fully open. Silver Torch does not like extremely high temperatures and is reported to be cold-hardy down to 14°F (-10°C) for short periods. Terrific at adding texture, color and shape to the landscape, this eye-catching and elegant plant looks equally spectacular as an exotic houseplant.

• Recipient of the prestigious Award of Garden Merit of the Royal Horticultural Society
• Grows up to 3-10 ft. tall (90-300 cm) and 3-6 ft. wide (90-180 cm).
• Easily grown in well-drained soils in full sun. Water regularly when in growth. Make sure you let the soil dry out between waterings. No water should ever be allowed to stand around the roots. Keep the plant dry in winter. Apply a dilute low nitrogen fertilizer fortnightly during late spring and summer. Drought tolerant.
• Great for desert gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Great in decorative containers too.
• Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seed or stem cuttings.
• Virtually disease free. Watch for mealybug.
• Native to Bolivia and Argentina