Oreocereus leucotrichus (Old Man Of The Andes)

Curious-looking, Oreocereus leucotrichus (Old Man Of The Andes) is a small shrubby columnar cactus, forming a dense clump of slender, erect, silvery-white columns, 2-6 ft. tall (60-180 cm) and 6-12 in. wide (15-30 cm), densely covered with spines and hairs. Usually branching basally and rarely solitary, each columnar stem features 10-20 closely set ribs along the edges. Arising from the areoles are not only a profusion of white to black silky hairs, 2-4 in. long (5-10 cm), but also stout, yellow to cinnamon spines. The central spines, up to 3 in. long (8 cm), are gently curved and longer than the radial spines. Clusters of diurnal, dark red or purple red flowers, 2 in. wide (5 cm), are produced near the stem tips. They give way to globose to reddish yellow to yellowish green fruits, 1-2.5 in. in diameter (2-6 cm). Exceedingly handsome, Old Man Of The Andes is reported to be cold-hardy down to 44°F (7°C). Terrific at adding texture, color and shape to the landscape, this eye-catching and elegant plant looks equally spectacular as an exotic houseplant.

• Grows up to 2-6 ft. tall (60-180 cm) and 2-4 ft. wide (60-120 cm).
• Easily grown in rich, 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. Drought tolerant.
• Great for desert gardens, rock gardens, succulent gardens or Mediterranean gardens. Great in decorative containers too.
• Deer resistant.
• Propagate by seeds or stem cuttings.
• No serious pest or disease issues. Susceptible to root rot in damp poorly drained soils.
• Native to South Peru, where it grows in shrubland on rocky stony soil of the Andean pre-cordillera, characterized by a cool and dry climate in winter, mild and little rainy in summer.