This nursery-produced cactus has bizarre and interesting blue-gray waxy stems
which forms a tree-like trunk and has a tendency to fan out, clustering over one another; some stems will form stable crests while others  just cluster over one another.  Occasionally  when new branches form out from a crest, they may revert to the normal growth pattern, giving rise to a more bizarre appearance.

The crests are frequently grafted onto a normal a Myrtillocactus trunk but are easily grown on their own roots.
The Dinosaur Back Cactus tolerates exposure to full sun and moderate watering.   Myrtillocactus doesn’t like to be exposed to temperatures below 28°F and never let the night-time temperature fall below 50°F.   Water regularly during the  summer months and allow soil to dry fully before watering again.  Myrtillocactus needs well-drained soil mix, with small gravel added to ensure drainage.  During the winter months plants should be rather kept dry, and water is restricted to only enough to keep the stems and branches from shriveling.  Since they are big-sized plants need plenty of space for their roots, repotting should be done every other year, or when the plant has outgrown its pot.  Exposure: Light shade when young, full sun later.

There are several crested clones of Myrtillocactus geometrizans that have a tendency to fan out, some will form stable crests while others will cluster over one another, regardless, both types make for a spectacular landscape attraction.

Thank you to all who participated in the Beautify Chula Vista Day event that took place on October 15th.  Our annual event was at Rice Canyon for the removal of invasives along a 1.2 mile stretch of trail, Discovery Canyon and Rancho Del Rey Business District for litter removal, and our fall revegetation project between Buena Vista and Via Goya along the parkways of Rancho Del Rey Pkwy South.

40 volunteers participated in our annual revegetation project and planted over 300 hundred plants: 200 hundred California Native plants and 100 succulents, and spread 65 yards of mulch along the east- and westside parkways of Rancho Del Rey Pkwy South.

Hover mouse over picture gallery to get a quick caption.

A BIG thank you to Mayor Mary Casillas Salas for participating in the planting of our waterwise plant material and spreading of mulch.

Here’s the gallery of after pictures.

Here’s a quick reference of our plant palette.  Hover mouse over picture gallery to get a quick identification of plants.

This beautiful robust stemless plant usually has a single rosette 3 feet tall with long broad silvery blue-green leaves with reddish teeth along the margins. In the summer the spectacular inflorescence branches near its base with each stem becoming a vertical spike rising well above the foliage and holding dark red to orange-red down-curved flowers that lie flat against the stems with the oldest flowers turning yellow at the tips starting from the bottom of the spike.

Young plants may produce only one raceme but older plants can produce multiple racemes, further enhancing a spectacular sight. This species is easily identified by its compact racemes of dark red flowers, with the tips of the flowers curving downwards towards the branch and pressed tightly against it.

This feature, together with very short pedicels, far exserted stamens and style, and the tendency to produce thorns on the lower leaf surface,  can often be confused with Aloe gerstneri and Aloe petricola.  

Opuntia turpinii is a very unusual cactus species closely related to the Opuntia family; it’s distinctly shaped growth resembles pine cones with almost no spines and cylindrical type growth.

Individual stems average 6″ to 2′ in length and 1-1/2″ in diameter. Stems have half circle scales on stem exteriors, smooth to the touch. Very easy to grow, not requiring any special soil mix, but good drainage is a must.

Pine Cone Cactus blooms 2″ white flowers at the tips of the joints; blooms are from April to September.

This attractive landscape plant is sure to start conversation in the garden or patio. Can easily be grown in containers also.

Why Garden with Native Plants?

Gardening with native plants can bring the beauty of California into your own landscape while receiving numerous benefits.  One of the benefits that I enjoy the most is inviting wildlife like hummingbirds, butterflies, and beneficial insects.

By landscaping with natives you can save 573,375 gallons in 10 years.   Watering a lawn is like showering 9 times a day.  

Lower maintenance costs by planting with natives; they do well with some attention and care, but require less water to no fertilizer and less pruning than non-native plants. Native plants use and  require 68% less maintenance.

Reduce Pesticides            

Native plants have developed their own defenses against many pests and diseases. Since most pesticides kill indiscriminately, beneficial insects become secondary targets in the fight against pests.

Pest management cost are 60% lower and by reducing or eliminating pesticides will let nature take control over the garden; and by letting nature take over we can keep the garden toxins out of our creeks and watersheds.

Soils

Most native plants perform better without any fertilizer. Extra nutrients push plants to grow quickly, sometimes beyond naturally supportable levels, and can shorten their life span.  Mulching can be a valuable practice in low-maintenance gardening.  A layer of mulch slows water evaporation, discourages weed germination, and creates a favorable environment at the soil interface for beneficial biological bacteria.

Knowing your soil determines how often you water your soil; whither it’s sand, clay, or loam influences how fast water penetrates before running off, how often plants will need to be watered, and how much water you’ll need to apply.

Growing Conditions

Native plants grow best under natural and familiar conditions, which are also known as biotic communities. Common California plant communities include northern and southern oak woodland, valley grassland, chaparral, desert, coastal sage scrub and bluff, mixed evergreen, and redwood forest.  Choosing plants that are native to your landscape’s community will help ensure their optimum health and performance.

Planting

Although most California natives can be planted at any time of year, it is best to plant them in the ground during the fall or early winter. This gives them time to establish a healthy root system and build the energy for new growth and stunning floral displays in spring and summer.

Pruning

While many non-native plants are often pruned throughout the year to keep up with their water and fertilizer induced growth, for most native plants pruning once per year is sufficient and generates 56% less green waste than non-natives.

Give them room to grow by properly spacing them in your garden design.   Crowded plants need more frequent pruning and care.

Watering

After two to five years of establishment many native plants can survive with minimal or supplemental water.  Proper watering can present a challenge when first becoming acquainted with native plants.  Under watering young native plants is a frequent cause of death, while over-watering can cause root rot and kill more established species.  Some native species can maintain a healthy appearance for much of the year while being watered only 1–4 times per month.  California native plants need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall.  Saving water conserves a vital amount of our limited resources as well as money savings too.   Native plants use 83% less water than non-native plants.