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blue myrtle cactus vs san pedro

blue myrtle cactus vs san pedro Buy Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Phoenix, AZ | M. geometrizans

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blue myrtle cactus vs san pedro Buy Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Phoenix, AZ | M. geometrizansThe Thickest Blue Columnar Cactus for Phoenix Desert Landscapes Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans fat form) is a bold, sculptural columnar cactus prized for its unusually thick blue green stems and striking vertical growth. Unlike the standard Blue Myrtle, this fat form develops wider, more robust columns that create a powerful architectural presence in any landscape. The powdery blue skin gives it an almost metallic shimmer in the

The Thickest Blue Columnar Cactus for Phoenix Desert Landscapes

Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans fat form) is a bold, sculptural columnar cactus prized for its unusually thick blue-green stems and striking vertical growth. Unlike the standard Blue Myrtle, this fat form develops wider, more robust columns that create a powerful architectural presence in any landscape. The powdery blue skin gives it an almost metallic shimmer in the Phoenix sun, and its slow-growing, low-maintenance nature makes it ideal for modern desert designs. Whether you're creating a dramatic focal point in a Scottsdale courtyard, flanking a Chandler entryway with living columns, or building a collector's cactus garden in Mesa — Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus delivers serious visual impact with zero fuss.

Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Plant Details

Attribute Detail
Scientific Name Myrtillocactus geometrizans (fat form)
Common Names Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus, Fat Blue Candle, Garambullo
Mature Height 6–12 feet
Mature Width 4–8 feet (multi-branching candelabra form)
Growth Rate Moderate — 6–12 inches per year in Phoenix once established
Sun Full sun (6+ hrs). Handles reflected heat from walls.
Water Low once established. Highly drought-tolerant.
USDA Zones 9–11 (Phoenix is Zone 9b–10a)
Soil Well-draining. Adapts to Arizona caliche soils with amendment.
Foliage Evergreen — powdery blue-green columns year-round
Special Feature Extra-thick stems with blue powdery coating — the fattest form available

Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Uses in Phoenix Landscapes

Architectural Focal Point

Fat Blue Myrtle's thick blue columns make it a natural sculptural centerpiece for modern desert courtyards, entry gardens, and xeriscape beds. A single specimen surrounded by decomposed granite and accent boulders commands attention without competing plants. The blue skin creates stunning contrast against warm-toned stucco walls, Cor-Ten steel, and terracotta. For maximum impact, uplight at night to cast dramatic column shadows.

Statement Entryway Planting

Plant a matching pair of Fat Blue Myrtles on either side of a front door, driveway, or gate for a bold, symmetrical welcome. Their vertical form draws the eye upward while the blue color reads as sophisticated and intentional. Choose 15–25 gallon specimens for instant height and presence.

Desert Garden Background Column

Use Fat Blue Myrtle as a tall backdrop behind lower agaves, barrel cacti, and desert shrubs. Its vertical growth adds height without significant spread, making it ideal for layered desert plantings. Pair with Golden Barrel Cactus, Desert Spoon, and Agave americana for a classic Arizona desert composition. Space 4–6 feet from neighboring plants.

Best Time to Plant Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus in Phoenix

Late spring through early fall (April–October) is ideal for columnar cacti. Warm soil and air temperatures promote root establishment and reduce the risk of rot from cold-wet conditions. Avoid planting in winter when cold temperatures and dormancy slow root growth. For container-to-ground transplants, May through September is the sweet spot.

How to Plant Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus

  1. Dig wide, not deep — Excavate a hole 2–3x the width of the root ball, same depth. Never plant deeper than the original soil line.
  2. Check for caliche — Break through any hardpan layer. Columnar cacti absolutely require excellent drainage.
  3. Backfill with native soil — Mix in 30% pumice or perlite for improved drainage. No compost needed.
  4. Spacing — 4–6 feet apart for grouped plantings; 6+ feet for standalone specimens.
  5. Do not water immediately — Let the roots callous for 3–5 days after transplanting before the first watering.
  6. Mulch with gravel — 2–3 inches of rock mulch around the base. Avoid bark mulch that retains moisture against the trunk.

Watering Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus in Phoenix

First Year Watering Schedule

After initial callous period (3–5 days): Water deeply every 10–14 days.
Months 1–3: Every 10–14 days during warm months; monthly in winter.
After Year 1: Every 2–3 weeks in summer; once monthly or less in winter.
Established plants (3+ years): Survive on rainfall alone in most years.

Drip Irrigation

Place 1–2 GPH emitters 18–24 inches from the trunk base. Columnar cacti are highly sensitive to overwatering — always err on the dry side. Root rot is the #1 killer. If unsure, wait another week before watering.

How big does Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus get?
In Phoenix, Fat Blue Myrtle typically reaches 6–12 feet tall with a multi-branching candelabra form 4–8 feet wide. Growth rate is moderate at 6–12 inches per year once established. Larger specimens with multiple branches can take 10–15 years to develop their full form.

What's the difference between Fat Blue Myrtle and regular Blue Myrtle?
Same species (Myrtillocactus geometrizans), but the fat form develops noticeably thicker, wider columns. Standard Blue Myrtle has thinner, more pencil-like branches. The fat form creates a bolder, more substantial presence in the landscape.

Is Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus cold hardy in Phoenix?
It handles typical Phoenix winters well but can suffer damage below 25°F. In unusually cold winters, protect young plants with frost cloth. Mature specimens are more cold-tolerant. Plant in a warm microclimate (south or west-facing wall) for extra protection.

Does Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus produce fruit?
Yes — Myrtillocactus produces small edible purple berries called garambullo, popular in Mexican cuisine. You may see small greenish-white flowers along the ribs in spring, followed by fruit clusters. The berries attract birds and add seasonal interest.

You May Also Like

Blue Myrtle Cactus — The standard form with thinner columns and a more open branching habit.
Crested Blue Myrtle — A rare crested mutation with dramatic fan-shaped growth, perfect for collectors.
Totem Pole Major — A smooth, spineless columnar cactus with a bold sculptural presence.
San Pedro Cactus — A fast-growing columnar cactus with ribbed green columns, great for quick height.

How Many Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Do I Need?

This is a thick, multi-branching columnar cactus that matures 4 to 8 feet wide, so it is planted as a specimen or a spaced row of living pillars rather than a tight hedge. Use the grouping guide below, measuring center to center.

Planting use Spacing (on center) Layout
Single focal column n/a One specimen in granite with accent boulders
Entry pair 4 to 6 ft apart Two matched plants flanking a door or gate
Sculptural cluster 5 to 6 ft apart Odd-numbered group of 3 or 5 so each column stands clear
Spaced backdrop row 6 ft apart 5 plants span roughly 24 to 30 ft of bed

Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Season-by-Season in Phoenix

  • Spring (Feb to Apr): Small greenish-white flowers open along the ribs as days warm, the start of the garambullo fruit cycle. A good second window to plant once nights stay above the mid 40s.
  • Summer (May to Sep): Peak growth season. The thick blue columns shrug off Phoenix heat and reflected warmth from south and west walls. Monsoon humidity and rain push a flush of new branching, but keep the root zone on the dry side since rot is the main risk in wet heat.
  • Fall (Oct to Nov): Prime planting season with warm soil and easing heat. Berries finish coloring and draw birds. Roots establish quickly before winter.
  • Winter (Dec to Jan): Holds its blue evergreen structure but is the tender season. Expect cosmetic damage below about 25°F. Cover young plants with frost cloth on hard-freeze nights and site them against a warm wall for protection.

At a Glance

✔ Heat-Loving (Reflected-Heat Tolerant)   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Low-Maintenance   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Edible   ✔ Deer & Rabbit-Resistant   ✔ Cold-Hardy to 25°F

Plant It With

  • Blue Myrtle Cactus: the standard thinner-columned form, a natural companion for a graduated blue grouping.
  • Crested Blue Myrtle: the fan-shaped crested mutation of the same species, a collector's accent at the base.
  • Mexican Fence Post: a slim green columnar cactus that contrasts the fat blue columns for added vertical rhythm.
  • Golden Barrel: a low golden globe that grounds the tall blue columns at ground level.

Is Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Right for Your Yard?

It thrives in full sun with sharp drainage, including hot reflected-heat spots against stucco or block walls, and asks for very little water once established. Give it room for the 4 to 8 foot branching spread and a warm microclimate so winter cold stays survivable. It is not a fit if your soil stays soggy or your planting spot drops well below 25°F without protection, since prolonged cold-wet conditions cause rot and frost scarring.

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nphoton
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 3
I Wanted to Like It
Style: SPF 50, Size: 1 count (Pack of 1)
I really wanted to like it because of the great reviews it gets with backpackers and generally with people that don't like "greasy hands syndrome" after applying sunscreen. But after using a stick I found that it's just not that good. The good: small, lightweight container. Not greasy. Good protection, I was in the sun all day hiking multiple days straight and only put on sunscreen twice per day and I didn't have any burning... and I burn easily. The bad: Value: the $12.53 sunscreen container only lasted about 8 days. And that was just my arms, neck, and half my face since I wore a shirt and long pants and a wide brim hat every day when hiking. I would expect this amount of sunscreen to last a lot longer than that on such a limited area. I'm not a big person either. Application, chafing: it's the opposite of greasy, almost chalky. You use the stick to apply to your skin in stripes, then you have to "blend it in" by rubbing with the backs of your hands so your palms don't get chalky. Since the stick is so dry this requires a fair amount of force and it chafes as you rub it around. When your skin a bit sandy it hurts. Application, crumbling: on a chilly but sunny morning, about 45 F, I applied sunscreen and small chunks of the stick crumbled off. I watched precious chunks of the already overpriced sunscreen drop to the ground. Residue: while it's not greasy, it's physical sunblock so it gives your skin the characteristic whitish sparkle. That's to be expected. But what I didn't foresee is it will rub off on anything your skin touches. My gear had white chalk-like marks (technically titania powder?) on my shirt collars, backpack straps, sunglasses, and a few other high-touch items. Overall I think it's a neat idea. I'm not overly disappointed with my purchase. But for $12.50 I expect sunscreen to be easier to apply and for the container to last longer than about 8 days. I can't burn $50/month in the summer months when a single container of chemical sunscreen will do the job. Pro tip: you can buy food-safe 3 oz TSA travel containers. Load one of those up with chemical sunscreen and you have something that beats this in every way except for the greasiness, which you can mitigate by picking a lower SPF sunscreen (the 30 SPF you wear is infinitely better than the 50 SPF you skip!).
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Reviewed in the United States on May 2, 2025
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D. Collins
Boise, US
★★★★★ 5
sunscreen does its job
Style: SPF 50, Size: 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
Works well. Took a little more effort to rub into skin.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2026
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Veronica Chung
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Protection w/out the White Cast
Style: SPF 50, Size: 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
We had been using the ThinkBaby mineral sunscreen for years. I wanted to look for a similar alternative but with less white cast. I actually bought this on a whim because it had the fastest shipping at the time (needed it for an outdoor event we were going to). We are now three purchases deep with this product. In my opinion, I think it gives the same amount of sun protection as before without the white cast. It rubs in great. Non-greasy. Initially, the lack of added fragrance was a little off-putting because we were so used to the typical coconut or citrus scents, but we all got used to it. Definitely on my list of subscription purchases now. I wish it was available in a larger size.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 31, 2025
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andraloth
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
Smells good, covers well, it does leave a white sheen, I don’t need to reapply.
Style: SPF 50, Size: 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I use this just once on my face in the morning, apply makeup over it, and I haven’t burned yet! Been using it for two years now. Unfortunate thing is that my face is not tan at all because it doesn’t allow any rays. LOL So I my makeup has to match the rest of my body… I stay under an umbrella at the beach for about half of the time that I’m there. Otherwise I am out in the sun. And I do not reapply this. I am in the sun between the hours of 9 and 1 PM and I’m in and out of the shade and sun half of the time. Still no burning. Actually I don’t think I reapplied it at all once I got home from the beach and I was out at the pool regularly for another hour with no shade. So it seems to be pretty darn good! Some people say they don’t like the smell, but I specifically bought it because I love love love the coconut smell. My daughter says it smells like bananas but I don’t like the smell of bananas and I don’t think it smells like that. It does definitely leave a white sheen. Hence my need for make up.
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Reviewed in the United States on July 20, 2021
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isaaceluna
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great for Hawaii!
Style: SPF 50, Size: 3 Fl Oz (Pack of 1)
I spent hours trying to find a sunscreen that was “reef safe” since I was going to be spending a lot of time near corals and this was the best one I found. It doesn’t have any of the 3 ‘O’ ingredients that are known to damage reefs. And the zinc is non nano as well. Sunscreen goes on easily. One of the better mineral sunscreens I’ve tried, this one actually smooths out like lotion and feels hydrating. Only leaves a slight pinkish hue, but that is inevitable with mineral sunscreens (that’s literally how they work in reflecting the sun). I could feel it on even in the ocean so I get protected, but still reapplied almost every 2 hours. No burns! I didn’t use it on my face but my partner did and it never stung his eyes nor caused any breakouts!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2021

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