Neobuxbaumia polylopha

(aka: Cephalocereus polylophus) Neobuxbaumia polylopha is the closest that most folks, outside of the southwestern deserts, will get to growing a giant Saguaro. This phone pole look-alike is quite rare in the wild, hailing from only ten locations in the Mexican provinces of Guanajuato, Hidalgo, Querétaro and San Luis Potosí, at 2,400'-4,000' elevation. In the wild, this fast-growing cactus can be found growing on partially shaded alkaline cliffs. In Texas, gardeners have found these to be winter hardy to 10 degrees F, if kept dry. The amazing, nocturnal flowers, occur in shades of red. Great drainage, and protection from winter moisture is the key to success.