Gardening in the High Desert: A Guide to Cold Hardy Cacti
Introduction:
Welcome to the high desert, a unique and beautiful landscape with its own set of gardening challenges. One of the most popular and rewarding plants to grow in this climate is cacti. Cacti are incredibly resilient and well-adapted to the harsh conditions of the high desert, including cold winters and dry summers.
Choosing Cold Hardy Cacti:
When selecting cacti for your high desert garden, it’s important to choose species that are hardy in cold, dry conditions. Some of the best options include:
- Opuntia fragililis (brittle pricklypear): This cactus is native to the Midwest and certain Canadian provinces, so it’s well-suited to the cold winters of the high desert.
- Opuntia polycantha (Plains prickly pear): Another cold-hardy option, this cactus is also native to the Midwest and Canada.
- Echinocereus (hedgehog cactus or porcupine cactus): This large genus of cactus includes several species that are hardy in cold, dry conditions, with some able to withstand temperatures as low as -23°F.
Creating a Water-Wise Cactus Garden:
Cacti are naturally drought-tolerant, but they still need some water to survive. The key is to create a water-wise garden that conserves water while providing your cacti with the moisture they need. Here are some tips:
- Choose well-drained soil: Cacti do not tolerate wet feet, so it’s essential to plant them in well-drained soil. Amend your soil with sand or gravel to improve drainage.
- Water deeply and infrequently: Instead of watering your cacti frequently, water them deeply but infrequently. This encourages the roots to grow deep into the soil, where they can access moisture during dry spells.
- Use mulch: Mulch around your cacti to help retain moisture and suppress weeds.
Deer-Friendly Cacti:
If you live in an area with deer, you’ll need to choose cacti that are deer-resistant. Some good options include:
- Opuntia: All species of Opuntia are deer-resistant.
- Echinocereus: Most species of Echinocereus are deer-resistant.
- Ferocactus: Ferocactus species are known for their sharp spines, which deter deer.
Other Tips for Growing Cacti in the High Desert:
- Provide plenty of sunlight: Cacti need full sun to thrive. Choose a planting site that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Protect from frost: If you live in an area with cold winters, protect your cacti from frost by covering them with a blanket or burlap.
- Fertilize sparingly: Cacti do not need a lot of fertilizer. Fertilize them once a year with a balanced fertilizer.
Conclusion:
With a little planning and care, you can create a beautiful and water-wise cactus garden in your high desert landscape. By choosing cold hardy species, planting them in well-drained soil, and providing them with the right amount of water and sunlight, you can enjoy these amazing plants for years to come.
