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Scarlet Bugler, Firecracker Cactus

Scientific Name: Cleistocactus baumannii (Lemaire) Lem.
Synonym: Cereus baumanii var. flavispinus , Cereus baumannii, Cleistocactus aureispinus, Cleistocactus flavispinus, Cleistocactus jugatiflorus
Family: Cactaceae

Recommended Temperature Zone:
USDA: 10-12

Frost Tolerance: Hardy to 28° F (-2°C)

Sun Exposure: Full sun

Origin: Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, northern Argentina, southeastern Bolivia

Growth Habits: Viny cactus, columnar, basally clumping, stems up to 4 feet long (120 cm), 1.2 inches in diameter (3 cm); 14 ribs; 1 central spine, up to 1 inch long (2.5 cm); 15-20 radials

Propagation: Cuttings, seeds

Cleistocactus baumannii at Colonia Dora, Santiago del Estero, Copyright Martin Lowry

The Scarlet Bugler is one of the most popular, easiest to grow species of Cleistocactus.

Picture 2 is from Willy Smith's Site

Cleistocactus baumannii at the HBG (HBG 20063)

Blooming Habits:
The Cleistocactus baumannii has bright red flowers (some clones have white corolla), 2.5 to 3 inches long (6-7.5 cm). They are produced during the summer, in flushes, and appear randomly on the sides of stems

Fruiting Habits:
The pink fruit is edible without any special preparation.

List of All the Plants | More in the Cactaceae family

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