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Trumpet Flower Cactus

Tricholobivia hybrid

true

1 gallon

Trumpet Flower Cactus

In stock

2'x2'

Sizes:

Trumpet Flower Cactus — Tricholobivia hybrid

Also known as: Tricholobivia; Day-blooming Echinopsis Hybrid; Trumpet Cactus

The Trumpet Flower Cactus is a compact, showy hybrid cactus resulting from a cross between Trichocereus (now often included in Echinopsis) and Lobivia species. It combines the massive, vibrant flowers of both parents with the added bonus of day-blooming behavior, making it a popular choice for cactus gardens and container collections.

This small cactus typically grows up to 1 foot tall and about 6 inches wide, forming either a rounded or upright columnar shape. The green stems are lined with vertical ribs and covered in short, bristly spines that are more decorative than dangerous.

From spring through fall, it produces huge, trumpet-shaped flowers in dazzling shades of red, orange, yellow, pink, or white. Unlike many other cactus species that bloom only at night, Tricholobivia hybrids are day bloomers, extending the time visitors can enjoy their showy blossoms. These nectar-rich flowers attract daytime pollinators, especially bees and occasional butterflies.

This hybrid is surprisingly cold hardy, tolerating temperatures into the single digits, and thrives in full sun with fertile, well-draining soil. It’s a great candidate for raised beds, rock gardens, or large pots, and performs best when watered deeply and allowed to dry out between waterings.

While not native, the Trumpet Flower Cactus contributes color, structure, and pollinator value to desert-adapted gardens and makes a strong accent in small spaces.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Honeybee (Apis mellifera); native solitary bees including Diadasia and Anthophora species; Painted Lady (Vanessa cardui) [occasional]
Bird Resources: Insects
Bird Species: Lesser Goldfinch (Spinus psaltria); House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

Plant Care

Native region:

Desert Adapted

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Sun

Mature size:

2'x2'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring-Fall

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

10 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.