Argentine Giant
Echinopsis candicans
A towering columnar cactus producing spectacular 6-to-8-inch fragrant white flowers that perfume the night air.
Hardy to about 20-25°F, USDA 9-11; heat-loving and low-desert adapted with minor frost sensitivity.
AMWUA Notes
Very drought tolerant; produces its dramatic blooms on little supplemental water.
Care Guide
Water deeply every 2-3 weeks spring through fall and keep nearly dry in winter to force spring bloom and avoid rot.
Remove damaged stems; tall columns can be cut for propagation.
A light dilute cactus fertilizer once in spring supports the huge flowers.
Mealybugs and scale can hide between the ribs; treat with horticultural oil.
Tender tips may need frost cloth below 25°F; spectacular fragrant flowers open on spring and summer nights.
Soil, Feeding & Propagation
Gritty, fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter
Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.
Low feeder.
Stem cuttings (callus first) or offsets
8 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; set the tall columns back from walkways
Placement Tips
- •Give room for the 8 ft spread and set well back from walkways.
- •Site as a night-garden focal point near seating.
- •Sharp drainage is essential.
- •Shield newly relocated plants from sudden western sun.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Argentine Giant. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Argentine Giant — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Argentine Giant need in Phoenix?
Argentine Giant is a low-water cactus once established. Water deeply every 2-3 weeks spring through fall and keep nearly dry in winter to force spring bloom and avoid rot. Very drought tolerant; produces its dramatic blooms on little supplemental water.
How big does Argentine Giant get?
Expect roughly 20 ft tall and 8 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 8 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; set the tall columns back from walkways.
Can you plant Argentine Giant near a pool?
Not ideally. Argentine Giant is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Argentine Giant handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Argentine Giant is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants partial shade. Hardy to about 20-25°F, USDA 9-11; heat-loving and low-desert adapted with minor frost sensitivity. Tender tips may need frost cloth below 25°F; spectacular fragrant flowers open on spring and summer nights.
Does Argentine Giant have thorns?
Yes — Argentine Giant has small thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Argentine Giant safe around pets?
Argentine Giant is listed as pet-friendly in this guide. If your dog is a determined chewer, check any new plant with your vet before planting.
When does Argentine Giant bloom in Arizona?
Argentine Giant blooms in spring, with white flowers. The flowers are fragrant.
How much maintenance does Argentine Giant need?
Argentine Giant is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Remove damaged stems; tall columns can be cut for propagation.
What kind of soil does Argentine Giant need?
Gritty, fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter. Nutrient needs are low. A light dilute cactus fertilizer once in spring supports the huge flowers.
Is Argentine Giant native to Arizona?
No. Argentine Giant is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Argentina, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.