The rather spiky cactus is closely associated with Arizona and our desert landscape. Late April and early May are blessed with cacti flowers that dot the desert with color. From small landscaping cacti to the towering saguaro, blooms in many colors adorn the desert and residential landscapes around Phoenix.
Many homeowners use slow-growing cacti as landscaping around the home. A single cactus plant needs very little water, can easily handle our 100 degree days, and in general, needs almost zero care. Each spring, they will burst into bloom and brighten a front or back yard. The size of the cactus plant doesn't determine whether or not they will bloom. Some cacti stay very tiny for their entire lives while others tower many feet tall. This tiny cactus easily grows in a pot and displays a ring of beautiful pink flowers each spring. This cactus is really only the size of a grapefruit yet blooms year after year never really getting noticeably bigger.
Some homes use cacti that grow into a small tree or to the size of a small bush. This cactus belongs to a neighbor and while I don't know the proper name I tend to call it the jumping cactus. They don't actually jump obviously but their segments are easily loosened by a strong wind or brushing against it. After a wind storm, it is not unusual to see cacti segments laying on the sidewalk or the homeowner's driveway. This cactus bursts into bloom each spring displaying very delicate-looking yellow flowers that will close at dusk and open a little after dawn. They are a favorite of bees and are large enough for several to share.
The other common sight in my neighborhood is the towering saguaro which usually blooms during the first week of May. Huge white blooms can be seen far into the distance when they bloom. One saguaro cactus can display many flowers on one arm and are visited by many bees. When the desert is silent, the sounds of buzzing can easily be heard from all around as the little bees make the most of the abundance of flowers available to them.
It is a common misconception that the Arizona desert is just all brown. While it is mostly brown with plenty of green cacti, the spring begins a colorful season of vibrant cacti flowers and wildflowers that dot the desert landscape.
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