This cactus has an upright branched tree-like habit with blue green stems with up to 6-rounded ribs that are armed with greyish spines. The small pale yellow saucer-shaped flowers appear from early to mid summer during the day.

Hardiness zones 9 to 11

Myrtillocactus geometrizansis naturally found in North America growing in semi arid areas of north-west Mexico. It prefers an open sunny position and very well drained moderately fertile soil and tolerates drought and high temperatures but is frost tender.

Blue Candle is grown for its branched habit and colour. It is planted in arid or cactus gardens as a specimen or grown as a container plant for indoor or outdoor use. It establishes from cuttings in 2 to 3 years but is slow to mature and is commonly grown as an un-branched indoor plant. It has branches that are up to 300mm (12in) thick with a soft textured appearance. ID 1914

Myrtillocactus(mur-TIL-lo-kak-tus) geometrizans(jee-o-MET-ri-zanz)

Cactaceae(kak-TAY-see-ee)