Mammillaria geminispina
Twin-spined Cactus
Description
Silvery white spines cover whitey cactus (Mammillaria geminispina), a mounding cactus from Mexico, throughout the year. Brilliant hot pink flowers are produced in a ring around the apical meristem (growing point) from late spring through fall, attracting various pollinating insects, while the spines deter predation by herbivores. The small pinkish red fruit are often present at the same time as the flowers, if pollinators are present. It does best in full sun with dry, well draining soil. Established plants are drought tolerant. May take 7-8 years before blooms appear.
Plant Type
Cactus
Height Range
1-3'
Width Range
Flower Color
Pink
Flower Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Leaf Color
White
Bark Color
n/a
Fruit Color
Pink
Fruit Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
Growth Rate
Slow
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Rocky
Soil Condition
Well-drained, Dry
Soil pH
Neutral
Adverse Factors
Thorns/Spines
Design Styles
Meadow, Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish
Accenting Features
Fall Color, Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage, Unusual Shape
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall
Location Uses
Entry, Perennial Border, Raised Planter, Roadside
Special Uses
Container, Mass Planting
Attracts Wildlife
n/a
Water Saving Tip:
Dig-up patches of weeds and undesirable grasses from turf areas.
Use water to grow the turf you want, not the weeds you don't want! Once you have eliminated what you don't want, add sod or over-seed to repair the bare areas.