Browningia hertlingianaBlue Torch Cactus

Browningia hertlingiana, the Blue Torch Cactus, is a columnar cactus from the dry Andean valleys of Peru whose ribbed stems carry an extraordinary turquoise-blue bloom on new growth. Mature columns reach 5 to 8 metres and branch from low on the stem.

It is used as a vertical accent in xeriscape and gravel schemes, where the blue colour does work that no foliage plant can match.

Specifications

• Height5 to 8 metres
• Width1 to 2 metres
• Native toThe dry inter-Andean valleys of Peru
• FoliageLeafless ribbed columnar stems with a turquoise-blue waxy bloom and stout spines; evergreen
• Growth rateSlow to moderate

Conditions

• SoilRequires sharply drained gritty or sandy soil of low fertility
• LightFull sun
• WaterVery low; highly drought-tolerant and intolerant of wet roots
• ClimateThrives in arid and semi-arid regions and tolerates cool nights when dry

Additional Features

• FormUpright columnar stems branching into a candelabra with age
• UsesIdeal for desert and xeriscape feature planting, gravel gardens, entry statements and large containers
• SpacingPlant 1.5 to 2 metres apart to allow branching
• Low MaintenanceNeeds no pruning and no supplementary feeding in open ground
• Pest ResistanceGenerally sound; mealybug and scale can appear in still, sheltered air
• Drought ToleranceAmong the most water-thrifty structural plants available
• FlowersNocturnal white to cream flowers on mature stems

The Blue Torch Cactus is a sculptural, near-zero-water accent that gives arid schemes their vertical line and their colour in one plant.