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Argentine Giant (Echinopsis candicans)

The Argentine Giant is a spectacular columnar cactus that produces enormous, fragrant, white flowers up to 8 inches across. Its ribbed, blue-green stems form impressive clumps, making it a dramatic focal point in arid landscapes.

Botanical Profile

Family:	Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus:	Echinopsis (ek-in-OP-sis)
Species:	candicans (KAN-dee-kans)
Synonym:	Trichocereus candicans
Synonym:	Cereus candicans
Synonym:	Cereus candicans var. courantii
Synonym:	Trichocereus courantii
Synonym:	Echinopsis courantii

Growing Conditions

Full sun and excellent drainage are crucial. Water deeply but infrequently. The night-blooming flowers appear in spring and are pollinated by moths. Hardy to around 20°F (-6°C) for short periods. A stunning specimen for large xeriscapes.

Cactus and Succulents: Removing Arms from an Argentine Giant Cactus; Diagnosing Yellowing Arms on an Argentine Giant Cactus; Giant Blue Flag Iris (Iris giganticaerulea): Majestic Native Species; Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea): Icon of the Sonoran Desert; Argentine Saguaro (Echinopsis terscheckii): Fast-Growing Columnar Giant; Argentine Giant (Echinopsis candicans); Lepismium cruciforme (Trailing Cactus); Acrostichum danaeifolium: Giant Leather Fern; Spirodela polyrhiza: Giant Duckweed; Purple Giant Hyssop (Agastache scrophulariifolia): Tall Native Pollinator Magnet for Moist Sites

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