When we went to the post office and the discount department store today, it was a pleasant surprise to see the bright red flowers on a claret cup cactus in the landscaped part of the shopping center. I got out of the truck and ran over to take several photos of the early spring blooms. I saw that there were dozens more buds on the cacti getting ready to open up.
Our hedgehog cacti are likewise getting ready to bloom with their hot pink flowers. We have some beavertail cacti that will also bloom soon. I can’t wait! Click on the image to enlarge.
Claret Cups are difficult to flower in cultivation. I have two Mohave Claret Cups, and have had them for years. Though they are healthy and growing, neither one has flowered for me yet.
I did not know that. Thanks for the info.