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A tall cactus suitable for outside in the UK

c.humphreys712c.humphreys712 Posts: 36
in Plants
Hi
I don't know if I'm being unrealistic but I'd like to plant a tall cactus (5-6ft) in the garden. I'm well aware that even South East England (climate change notwithstanding) doesn't have the right climatic conditions for most cactus, but I thought I'd check your collective wisdom just in case there is a super tough cactus that can deal with our sometimes cold winters. 

Many thanks!
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Posts

  • philippasmith2philippasmith2 Posts: 3,742
    I rather think you are in a loser with that idea.  On the whole, the UK is generally too damp and cool for these plants to grow and flourish outside.
    You can certainly keep cacti outside for a good part of the year ( depending where you are located of course ) but they will require require protection from wet and cold which would rather negate anything resembling the photo you posted.
    If you want a "tropical" look and are prepared to forget the cactus, there are other options available but again it will depend on your particular site and conditions  :)
  • c.humphreys712c.humphreys712 Posts: 36
    Thanks for the advice. Would you recommend a tall succulent instead or something else?
  • fidgetbonesfidgetbones Posts: 17,618
    Succulent plants and cacti are full of water. When it freezes they turn to mush.
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    Join the British Cactus and Succulent Society (BCSS) forum if you can. There's a few people on there who have outdoor cacti and can advise on care and protection measures. I keep cacti in the greenhouse all winter with no problems but the soil needs to be bone dry and that's harder to achieve in the garden without some kind of shelter. 
    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • TheVanguardTheVanguard Posts: 136
    Century plant is uk hardy in Some areas and grows large well actually huge!

    https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/95075/agave-americana/details
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    edited September 2022
    You can plant it in a sunken pot and then bring it under cover for the winter. If you have an exceptionally warm and dry spot (e.g. under the rain shadow of a building overhang, where it benefits from some of the radiant heat of the building) you might get away with some of the succulent Euphorbias, many of which have that columnar look. I think a particularly cold winter could easily wipe even the hardier ones out though, if it goes much below -5.

    Some of the Opuntias are on the hardier side too, Opuntia humifusa grows as far north as Canada, so it can take sub-zero temperatures with ease. Not tall though, more sprawling.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • MikeOxgreenMikeOxgreen Posts: 812
    There are quite a few cacti and succulents which survive to some serious sub zero temperatures (-50).
    I would suggest asking and researching elsewhere.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    I think while there are cacti and succulents that can take a severe freezing (winter wet could be another matter), I don't think many (if any) match the OP's requirement for a tall cactus.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • wild edgeswild edges Posts: 10,497
    I'm not sure if you can view this without joining the forum? https://www.forum.bcss.org.uk/viewtopic.php?t=169174&hilit=outdoor+cacti

    If you can keep your head, while those around you are losing theirs, you may not have grasped the seriousness of the situation.
  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    Ah this might fit the bill. NB they still recommend a winter canopy to keep the ground dry. 

    Pachycereus pringlei - Urban Jungle
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
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