San Pedro

Plant Type: Cacti
Plant Height: 6-15 feet
Spread: 2-6 feet
Flower Color: white or light pink
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

San Pedro Cactus – Fast-Growing Beauty for Phoenix Landscapes

The San Pedro Cactus, scientifically known as Echinopsis pachanoi (formerly Trichocereus pachanoi), is a fast-growing columnar cactus native to the Andes Mountains in South America. This impressive cactus is cherished for its ornamental beauty, fragrant flowers, and ease of care, making it a popular choice among gardeners and cactus enthusiasts in the Phoenix Valley.

Striking Growth and Form

In its natural habitat, the San Pedro Cactus can grow to towering heights of 6 to 15 feet or even taller. It forms multiple stems, creating a bushy, architectural structure with light to dark green cylindrical stems that are deeply ribbed. This cactus’s vigorous growth makes it ideal for gardeners looking to add height and texture to their landscape.

Night-Blooming Flowers

The San Pedro Cactus is known for its large, fragrant flowers that bloom at night. These white or light pink blooms can be several inches in diameter and open after dusk, closing by midday the following day. The stunning nocturnal blooms are pollinated by moths and bats, adding a touch of mystery and beauty to any garden.

Ideal for Xeriscaping and Low-Maintenance Gardens

This cactus thrives in the full sun of the Phoenix Valley and prefers well-draining soil, making it perfect for xeriscaping and desert landscaping. The San Pedro Cactus is drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering, though it responds well to occasional water during the growing season. It’s also more cold-tolerant than many other cactus species, but frost protection is still recommended during extreme cold snaps.

Landscape Use and Appeal

The San Pedro Cactus is widely used in ornamental landscaping due to its impressive growth and stunning flowers. It makes an excellent focal point in cactus gardens, rock gardens, or as a statement piece in large containers. Its fast growth and ease of care make it a favorite for gardeners seeking a bold, vertical element in their outdoor spaces.

Key Benefits:

• Fast-growing, perfect for creating height and structure in Phoenix gardens.
• Large, fragrant night-blooming flowers attract pollinators like moths and bats.
• Thrives in full sun with minimal water, ideal for xeriscaping and drought-tolerant landscapes.
• Cold-tolerant compared to other cacti, though protection is recommended during frost.
• Suitable for use in cactus gardens, rock gardens, and as a striking container plant.
• Low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for gardeners of all experience levels.

Care and Maintenance

The San Pedro Cactus is known for its easy care and low-water requirements. It thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, with watering needs reduced during the cooler months. During the growing season, occasional watering will promote healthier growth and more vibrant blooms. It's important to protect the cactus from frost during colder nights in the Phoenix area.

Enhance Your Phoenix Landscape with the San Pedro Cactus

Bring the majestic beauty of the San Pedro Cactus to your desert garden or xeriscape. Its fast growth, stunning night-blooming flowers, and low-maintenance needs make it an exceptional choice for adding height, texture, and architectural interest to any landscape. This cactus’s rich cultural history, combined with its ease of care, makes it a must-have for cactus enthusiasts and desert gardeners alike.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): San Pedro

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 10-12 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: San Pedro is a self-supporting cactus that requires no staking and grows upright with distinct columns

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 7-10 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: San Pedro is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 14-21 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 10-14 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 6-8 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 18-24 inches away from the base of the cactus for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 10-14 days. In winter, reduce to every 6-8 weeks