Tree Cholla Cactus 'Oregon Giant' (imbricata x) COLD HARDY

Cholla Cactus 'Oregon Giant'

Cylindropuntia imbricata x

Live Cuttings (4"-6" stems) and Small Plants (3" pots) - Cold Hardy -20F!



Cylindropuntia 'Oregon Giant' (imbricata x ) is an EXCLUSIVE hybrid cholla cactus growing in the high desert region of central Oregon. It is a unique hybrid that we think is a cross of two large imbricata species (perhaps x arborescens), it is an upright shrub, 6-10 feet or more high, with many large and thick stems branching from a woody central trunk, stems are bright green or sometimes purplish green, bearing distinct tubercles and clusters of 3 to 8 white or yellowish spines, each between 1 and 2 inches long. The spines do not completely cover the stems.

This large hybrid cholla is very frost tolerant, with lineage we suspect found at higher elevations (6,000+ feet) and further north than other species. It most closely resembles imbricata "white" but produces different flower colors and grows in a fashion that resembles Silver Cholla, just much larger. These cacti have been growing in our cold high desert climate for many years on our personal property in central Oregon and have seen temperatures well below -15F!! Very hardy and easy to grow, moderate to fast growers, you will have a full plant in just a season or two!

Cholla Cactus is well adapted to hot climate locations where it thrives in sun and with normal winter snow and rainfall, and low amounts of summer water. When it matures, it is a colorful flowering accent shrub for courtyard and southwestern plantings due to its large bright flowers. Monthly deep watering from spring through fall will enhance its spring flowering cycle and help maintain good character.