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ROC #343460

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cactusPet FriendlyFragrant

Argentine Giant

Echinopsis candicans

Argentine Giant

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

💧Watering

Water deeply every 2-3 weeks spring through fall and keep nearly dry in winter to force spring bloom and avoid rot.

✂️Pruning

Remove damaged stems; tall columns can be cut for propagation.

🌱Fertilizing

A light dilute cactus fertilizer once in spring supports the huge flowers.

🛡️Pests

Mealybugs and scale can hide between the ribs; treat with horticultural oil.

☀️Seasonal Notes

Tender tips may need frost cloth below 25°F; spectacular fragrant flowers open on spring and summer nights.

Soil, Feeding & Propagation

🪨Soil

Gritty, fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter

💧Drainage

Needs sharp, fast-draining soil.

🌱Nutrient Needs

Low feeder.

🌰Propagation

Stem cuttings (callus first) or offsets

📐Spacing

8 ft

🌳Roots & Placement

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

Enormous fragrant flowersColumnar formNight-bloomingDramatic 6-8 inch blooms

Best Uses

SpecimenNight gardenVertical accent

Quick Stats

Water NeedsLow
Sun Exposurepartial shade
Mature Size20 ft H × 8 ft W
Growth Rateslow
Maintenancelow
HardinessUSDA 9-11
FoliageEvergreen
Drainagesharp, fast-draining
Bloom SeasonSpring
Bloom ColorWhite
Litter Levellow
Thornssmall
Native RegionArgentina

Design Styles

desert modernnative habitat

Include in Your Project

Love Argentine Giant? Our landscape team sources from wholesale nurseries and can incorporate it into your design.

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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.