Echinocereus triglochidiatus GIANT form White Sands, Otero co., NM
Echinocereus triglochidiatus forma 'White Sands' or Giant Claret Cup Cactus is one of the most giant hardy cactus. The seed for these plants came from Otero county, NM near White Sands. We cultivate this plant on our own. Original plants had collection number SB1598. Plants can get 40" tall in the wild and seriously giant. In the garden in a colder environment, expect them to only get about 24 to 30" tall unless you give it some protection along a house or boulder. Plants are slower than the regular form or Echinocereus triglochidiatus but well worth the wait. We have had plants in our colorado garden for 20 years and plants have take -17F with no damage. However, we had a plant take damage one season when temperatures went from 80F to -2F in a 48hr period. But the plant did not die and grew new heads the following spring. Red or Claret colored flowers appear in May to July and are Hummingbird Magnets.
Plants pictured in pots are what is available. LIMIT 4
I do not guarantee these in a zone 5/6/7 because everyones growing conditions are different but this would be a good trial plant to grow in your cold outdoor garden. Try to plant outdoor 90 days before 1st hard freeze.