How much sun does Claret Cup Cactus need?

Claret Cup Cactus grows best in full sun conditions.

When does Claret Cup Cactus bloom?

Claret Cup Cactus blooms in March, April, and May.

Where is Claret Cup Cactus native?

Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.

What pollinators does Claret Cup Cactus attract?

Claret Cup Cactus draws butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.

Is Claret Cup Cactus HOA-friendly?

Claret Cup Cactus is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Claret Cup Cactus

Name: Pollinator Patch
Author: Pollinator Patch

Echinocereus triglochidiatus

Last reviewed: June 2026

Light

full sun

Water

low

Size

6"–12" H × 12"–36" W

Bloom

Mar, Apr, May

Native to

AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states

Pollinators

butterflies, bees, hummingbirds

Before you buy

Your city may pay you to plant this

Cities and water utilities offer rebates for replacing lawn with native and water-wise plants. We track 411 programs across 44 states, each with a link to the provider and the date we last checked it.

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Browse plants for this ecoregion

Southern California Mountains Central Basin and Range Mojave Basin and Range Chihuahuan Deserts

Claret Cup Cactus forms low, spreading clumps of cylindrical stems topped with brilliant red-orange flowers in spring. This drought-tolerant native creates striking color displays while requiring minimal care once established.

In an HOA neighborhood

Claret Cup Cactus is an HOA-friendly choice. Maintenance level: low. Tidiness: 2 out of 5.

Works well in: front yard, foundation, street edge.

Wildlife value

The tubular red flowers are magnets for hummingbirds and also attract butterflies and native bees during the spring blooming period.

Common questions

How much sun does Claret Cup Cactus need?: Claret Cup Cactus grows best in full sun conditions.
When does Claret Cup Cactus bloom?: Claret Cup Cactus blooms in March, April, and May.
Where is Claret Cup Cactus native?: Claret Cup Cactus (Echinocereus triglochidiatus) is native to AZ, CA, CO, NM and 3 more states, per the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists.
What pollinators does Claret Cup Cactus attract?: Claret Cup Cactus draws butterflies, bees, and hummingbirds.
Is Claret Cup Cactus HOA-friendly?: Claret Cup Cactus is generally an HOA-friendly choice in the right placement, with low maintenance.

Native range data from the USDA PLANTS Database and regional native plant society lists. Pollinator and host plant associations compiled from GBIF, iNaturalist, and published ecological literature.

Ready to grow Claret Cup Cactus? Add it to your garden in Pollinator Patch to track it and get season-by-season care guidance.

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