Azureocereus hertlingianus (Blue Cerus)


Botanical Information

FamilyCactaceae
GenusAzureocereus
Specieshertlingianus
SynonymsBrowningia hertlingiana
CategoryPerennials, Tropicals
OriginThe Mantaro Valley, Peru.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8a - 11b
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cool season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)0 - 5
Temperature (°F)10 - 20
Height1 - 10 m
Spread30 - 40 cm
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodJune, July, August, September

Description and Growing Information

ShapeUpright, almost columnar and cylindrical in form.
LandscapeInformal rock gardens, mass plantings, potted indoor or patio plant or as a specimen.
PropagationDivision or callused stem cuttings.
CultivationPlant in loose, well-draining, gravelly to compost soil in full sun to partial shade. Water sparsely.
Notable SpecimensThe Devonian Botanic Garden, Devon, Alberta, Canada.
HabitatOpen and dry central plains.
Bark/Stem DescriptionSolitary growth extruded into a cylinder shape.
Flower Description5 cm wide flowers are borne at the apex of the growth and are nocturnal.
Colour DescriptionPurplish-pink flowers among solitary sage green to bluish-green succulent columns.
Texture DescriptionSmooth, spiny.

Photographs