Ciaran asked:


Basically I’m wondering if a cactus would survive if planted in outside in the Irish climate, I know its not the ideal conditions but just wondering how it would get on?

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3 Responses to “How would a cactus get on planted outside in the Irish Climate?”

1. oakwolf on January 28th, 2011 3:13 am

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   There are northern-climate cactuses. We have some naturally-occurring ones here in Minnesota, USA, growing at about 44 degrees north.

   That said, I think you’d have a tough time of it in the Irish climate. It’s too wet. Ours grow in the most arid western part of the state. It’s very cold there in winters, very hot in summers.

   If you try it, plant your specimens in very thin soil atop solid stone. That way you’ll mimic the dry environment cacti require; even if it rains frequently, the water will flow fast away. (The wild ones here are of the prickly pear family, and grow just six inches tall or so, in less than an inch of soil generally, atop solid bedrock.) Obviously, you need to start with a variety that can handle your temperature range as well.

   Good luck!

2. robin y on January 31st, 2011 7:49 am

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   look around you and see if you have ever seen Cacti planted outside in Ireland. I thought not so there is my answer

3. Rob E on February 3rd, 2011 1:45 pm

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   Raised beds improve drainage, as rot can be a cause of many succulents suffering decay or death. Parts of Ireland have a mild climate, and you would potentially be able to grow plants that many would consider impossible. If you don’t grow Cacti, then you could certainly consider alternative succulents, such as some of the Aloes, which will take somewhat wetter conditions. Another alternative would be a plant such as Agave americana, which can take some freezes, where they’re planted in well drained conditions. See this forum for details of some growers in southern England -

   I grow Aloe striatula, for example, in central England, and this survived the punishing winter of 2009/10 that we had. It adds a somewhat exotic look to a garden, and is a pretty plant. See it here -

   As a child, growing plants on a sandy, and thus very well drained, garden bed I did have some Cacti that lived for several winters outside. Some of the prickly pear Opuntia cacti are able to take several degrees of frost, and so would be suitable, especially if you manage the drainage that is provided, such as with a raised bed, and incorporation of lots of grit. Opuntia kleiniae is a good cold weather Opuntia, Opuntia pottsii is able to take a lot more freezing weather, so is a good option. Opuntia bentonii is also attractive. There’s a supplier here that you can find some more information on some of these from -

   If winter weather becomes extremely cold, and for extended periods, then you can increase your chances for success by using garden fleece, which raises temperatures below it by a few degrees, whilst it still allows air, light and water through. This is cheap, costing a few cents/pence per yard. You can also improve your chances by finding the warmest, most sheltered micro-climate in your garden, as well as adding extra shelter in the coldest periods, even if it’s just adding some extra cover on cold nights. With some of my cold hardy tender plants I’ve even added a piece of old carpet, during freezing weather, and creating a structure around your plant, such as made from some pieces of wood, with plastic stapled over it, will improve success too – the key point is often to allow sufficient ventilation, as many such plants can rot or get infected, if air circulation isn’t great.

   There’s an English grower here, with details of some of the cacti and succulents that he grows, including photographs in the snow – I like a challenge, and grow many plants that would have been considered unsuitable by many, and find it real fun to have unsual plants that are widely different from the stanard plants that garden centres sell.

   Overall, use the warmest spot that you have, use raised beds and improve drainage as well as be prepared to add some shelter etc, if you get exceptional freezes – and choose the species that are most cold tolerant too.

   Hope this helps. Good luck! Rob