Neobuxbaumia polylopha

Cone Cactus – This beloved cylindrical cactus was first brought to the garden in 2000 after being purchased at the famous Bach’s Nursery in Arizona. Since then, it has been spread around the Houston area thanks to the help of YuccaDo Nursery. Today, many fine specimens still stand stoicly surrounded by sand in our South Dry Garden (how’s that for alliteration?), as well as other dry/xeric beds throughout the Garden. These tall, slow growing cacti are native to central Mexico, and are surprisingly cold hardy in our climate. Although they should be protected for their first couple of years in the ground, they will withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees Fahrenheit without any damage. The tallest Cone Cactus in our garden stand about 9 feet tall and have been in the ground for over 25 years. Plant in full sun and don’t give them any extra irrigation. Planting them atop small mounds can help with soil drainage.