Blue Myrtle Cactus
Myrtillocactus geometrizans
A treelike blue-green cactus bearing fragrant blooms and edible purple fruits reminiscent of blueberries.
Frost sensitive, hardy to about 28°F, USDA 9-11; best in warm low-desert microclimates.
AMWUA Notes
Very drought tolerant treelike cactus needing minimal summer water.
Care Guide
Water established plants monthly in summer and none in winter; excellent drainage prevents rot.
Prune to shape the treelike form or remove frost-damaged tips; cuttings root easily.
Light spring feeding optional.
Watch for scale and mealybugs on the blue-green stems.
Frost-tender below about 28°F; protect young plants and enjoy edible blue fruits in late summer.
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 seed
8-10 ft
Shallow, non-invasive roots; give the treelike form room away from walkways
Placement Tips
- •Use as an architectural specimen with room for a 10 ft spread.
- •Keep away from walkways.
- •Plant in fast-draining soil.
- •Site where the fragrant blooms and fruit can be reached.
Features
Best Uses
Companion Plants
Quick Stats
Design Styles
Include in Your Project
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Use this care guide to maintain your Blue Myrtle Cactus. Questions about your landscape? Reach out anytime.
Data from 2024 AMWUA “Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert” guide.
Blue Myrtle Cactus — common questions
Answers for low-desert Phoenix conditions, drawn from this plant’s growing data.
How much water does Blue Myrtle Cactus need in Phoenix?
Blue Myrtle Cactus is a very low-water cactus once established. Water established plants monthly in summer and none in winter; excellent drainage prevents rot. Very drought tolerant treelike cactus needing minimal summer water.
How big does Blue Myrtle Cactus get?
Expect roughly 15 ft tall and 10 ft wide at maturity, with a slow growth rate. Allow about 8-10 ft of spacing when planting. Shallow, non-invasive roots; give the treelike form room away from walkways.
Can you plant Blue Myrtle Cactus near a pool?
Not ideally. Blue Myrtle Cactus is not rated pool-friendly, so it is better placed away from the pool deck and skimmer. Litter is rated low.
Can Blue Myrtle Cactus handle Arizona heat and winter frost?
Blue Myrtle Cactus is hardy in USDA 9-11 and wants full sun. Frost sensitive, hardy to about 28°F, USDA 9-11; best in warm low-desert microclimates. Frost-tender below about 28°F; protect young plants and enjoy edible blue fruits in late summer.
Does Blue Myrtle Cactus have thorns?
Yes — Blue Myrtle Cactus has medium thorns. Site it back from walkways, seating and pool decks where people brush past.
Is Blue Myrtle Cactus safe around pets?
Blue Myrtle Cactus 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 Blue Myrtle Cactus bloom in Arizona?
Blue Myrtle Cactus blooms in spring, with greenish-white flowers. The flowers are fragrant.
How much maintenance does Blue Myrtle Cactus need?
Blue Myrtle Cactus is low-maintenance. Leaf, flower and pod litter is rated low. Prune to shape the treelike form or remove frost-damaged tips; cuttings root easily.
What kind of soil does Blue Myrtle Cactus need?
Gritty, fast-draining mineral soil or decomposed granite; low organic matter. Nutrient needs are low. Light spring feeding optional.
Is Blue Myrtle Cactus native to Arizona?
No. Blue Myrtle Cactus is not an Arizona native; it originates from the Central Mexico, but it is grown successfully in low-desert landscapes here.