Captivating Combination: Cold-Hardy Cacti and Succulents
This extensive unirrigated planting of cold-hardy cacti and succulents basks on a warm south-facing slope in the Undaunted Garden at the Gardens on Spring Creek in Fort Collins, Colorado in zone 4b/5a. In late May and June, the cacti bloom in hot colors along with the ice plants. Thanks to these plants’ interesting evergreen forms as well as the finer textures of similarly dry-loving companion plants such as red yucca for contrast, the garden has abundant year-round appeal. The maintenance for this planting is simple and not extensive—a bit of cutting back and cleaning up of companion plants both as they finish blooming and in early spring along with weeding is all that’s needed. However, this requires agility and dexterity as many plants are sharp and prickly.
*This cactus is a mix of several different cactus species including claret cup cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus, Zones 5-10) and Texas rainbow cactus (Echinocereus dasyacanthus, Zones 6-10), among others.
Photos: Lauren Springer
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