Golden Barrel cactus (Echinocereus engelmannii) is a great specimen plant that can be used in Southwest landscapes. A specimen plant is a plant placed conspicuously alone, usually in a prominent place, to show off its ornamental qualities. In addition to using it as a specimen plant, Golden Barrel cactus look great clustered together for a dramatic effect. Add some landscape lighting to highlight them at night and you have an automatic focal point.
Spend time walking around some of the more exclusive luxury hotels in Arizona and you can get some great ideas for using Golden Barrels in your landscape. The resorts do an excellent job of showing them off and contrasting them with other desert plants.
One of the great things about Golden Barrels is that their maintenance is just about nonexistent. Provide them with some initial irrigation to get them started and once they're established, they can pretty much survive on their own. And, they like to be in the full-sun and planted in desert soil. They are native to southern Mexico and are one of the plants that can take our desert heat well.
The main disadvantage of the Golden Barrel, as with other cactus, is that it has extremely sharp thorns. If you've ever inadvertently backed into one, you know just how sharp they are. So, always take care when considering where to plant them. Keep them away from walkways, play areas, and pools. Plant them in open desert landscaped areas or small focal point areas where people will not be walking.
Be creative with your landscaping and remember that we live in the desert and you can create a beautiful outdoor space using low-water use desert plants.
Deborah Munoz-Chacon is the owner of Sonoran Oasis Landscaping in Tucson, Arizona. She is a certified arborist and has 20 years experience in the green industry. Sonoran Oasis Landscaping is dedicated to the use of xeriscape plants in the desert environment and the conservation of water. We specialize in Commercial and Homeowners Association landscape maintenance.
Our website is http://www.sonoran-oasis.com
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