Monkey Tail Cactus

• Cactus
• Red or orange; spring to summer
• 1′-8’H by 1′-2’W
• Well-drained soil
• Zones 9-11
• Partial sun
• Low water; low maintenance
• Attracts: Butterflies, hummingbirds

A native of Bolivia, this relatively slow-growing trailing cactus is also known as Hildewintera colademononis and gets its common name from its long, trailing stems covered in soft, hairlike white spines. Shorter, tougher spines underneath the hairs are not particularly sharp compared to other cacti.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Valued for its ornamental properties, this easy-care cactus is ideal for hanging baskets or tall containers due to its trailing growth habit of hairy, individual stems that can grow up to 8 feet in length. With its vivid orange or red flowers that can stay open for several days, it is especially attractive to hummingbirds.

Wooly Torch

• Cactus
• Pale pink; summer
• 4′-20’H by 2′-6’W
• Well-drained soil
• Zones 10A-11
• Full to partial sun
• Low water; low maintenance
• Attracts: Bats, bees

Also known as Old Man Cactus, this fast-growing columnar cactus originates from Mexico. It branches as it ages and grows best in shaded plant canopies rather than flat, open areas. Note that this species is variable in form and color, so many in cultivation may be labeled P. palmeri, but appear somewhat different.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Distinctive features of this cactus include blue coloration when young and tufts of thick, silky wool along its ribs. Throughout the growing season, it blooms with short, funnel-shaped, flesh-colored flowers with a distinctively strong scent. May produce fruit once sufficiently pollinated.

Snow Prickly Pear

• Cactus
• Yellow; spring and summer
• 3′-6’H by 3′-6’W
• Well-drained soil
• Zones 9-11
• Full sun
• Low water; low maintenance
• Attracts: Bees, hummingbirds

This cultivar of prickly pear may also be labeled Opuntia erinacea ursine var. ‘Snow’ in nurseries. Its unique glochids, consisting of clusters of short, sharp spines surrounded by long, thin hairlike spines, give it a furry appearance that may be deceiving at first touch, so be sure to wear gloves when handling.

WHY WE LIKE IT: Clumps of prickly pear ‘Snow’ remain fairly low to the ground, usually topping out at around 2 feet tall, making it an ideal textural focal point in a desert landscape. Due to its smaller size, it’s also ideal for container gardens, but should be repotted after one year or once it doubles in size.

Powder Puff Cactus

• Cactus
• Pink; spring through fall
• 2″-5″H by 2″-3″W
• Well-drained soil
• Zones 9-11
• Full sun
• Low water; low maintenance
• Attracts: Bees

This globular clumping cactus from Mexico gets its name from its silky white hairs, lending it a cotton ball-like appearance. Several cultivars exist, each keeping their distinctive woolly appearance to varying degrees. Dense white hairs surround yellow-to-red hooked spines, so gloves are required when repotting every few years as it outgrows its pot.

WHY WE LIKE IT: This easy-care cactus grows in clusters, each of which produces a ring of tiny pink flowers that vary from pale to bright pink, depending on cultivar, followed by cylindrical fruit. This plant is ideal for container gardens and can even be grown indoors.