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The Desert Pencil Bush is a shrubby succulent with clusters of slender, pencil-like stems that glow green to fiery orange-red in cool weather. Dramatic and easy to grow, it adds sculptural flair to desert landscapes.
Water Needs: Very low; drought-tolerant once established
Sun Needs: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Sandy or rocky, sharply draining soils
Growing Zone: USDA Zones 9–11
Cold Hardiness: Down to ~30°F (–1°C)
Mature Size: 6–20 ft tall x 3–10 ft wide
Native Origin: Africa and India
Best Substitutes For: Ocotillo, Cholla cactus
Landscape Uses: Xeric gardens, sculptural accents, containers
The Desert Pencil Bush is a shrubby succulent with clusters of slender, pencil-like stems that glow green to fiery orange-red in cool weather. Dramatic and easy to grow, it adds sculptural flair to desert landscapes.
Water Needs: Very low; drought-tolerant once established
Sun Needs: Full sun
Soil Requirements: Sandy or rocky, sharply draining soils
Growing Zone: USDA Zones 9–11
Cold Hardiness: Down to ~30°F (–1°C)
Mature Size: 6–20 ft tall x 3–10 ft wide
Native Origin: Africa and India
Best Substitutes For: Ocotillo, Cholla cactus
Landscape Uses: Xeric gardens, sculptural accents, containers