blue pencil cactus Buy Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Phoenix, AZ | M. geometrizans
SKU: 38958905421
blue pencil cactus

blue pencil cactus Buy Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Phoenix, AZ | M. geometrizans

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Description

blue pencil cactus Buy Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Phoenix, AZ | M. geometrizansThe Thickest Blue Columnar Cactus for Phoenix Desert Landscapes Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans fat form) is a bold, sculptural columnar cactus prized for its unusually thick blue green stems and striking vertical growth. Unlike the standard Blue Myrtle, this fat form develops wider, more robust columns that create a powerful architectural presence in any landscape. The powdery blue skin gives it an almost metallic shimmer in the

The Thickest Blue Columnar Cactus for Phoenix Desert Landscapes

Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus (Myrtillocactus geometrizans fat form) is a bold, sculptural columnar cactus prized for its unusually thick blue-green stems and striking vertical growth. Unlike the standard Blue Myrtle, this fat form develops wider, more robust columns that create a powerful architectural presence in any landscape. The powdery blue skin gives it an almost metallic shimmer in the Phoenix sun, and its slow-growing, low-maintenance nature makes it ideal for modern desert designs. Whether you're creating a dramatic focal point in a Scottsdale courtyard, flanking a Chandler entryway with living columns, or building a collector's cactus garden in Mesa — Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus delivers serious visual impact with zero fuss.

Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Plant Details

Attribute Detail
Scientific Name Myrtillocactus geometrizans (fat form)
Common Names Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus, Fat Blue Candle, Garambullo
Mature Height 6–12 feet
Mature Width 4–8 feet (multi-branching candelabra form)
Growth Rate Moderate — 6–12 inches per year in Phoenix once established
Sun Full sun (6+ hrs). Handles reflected heat from walls.
Water Low once established. Highly drought-tolerant.
USDA Zones 9–11 (Phoenix is Zone 9b–10a)
Soil Well-draining. Adapts to Arizona caliche soils with amendment.
Foliage Evergreen — powdery blue-green columns year-round
Special Feature Extra-thick stems with blue powdery coating — the fattest form available

Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Uses in Phoenix Landscapes

Architectural Focal Point

Fat Blue Myrtle's thick blue columns make it a natural sculptural centerpiece for modern desert courtyards, entry gardens, and xeriscape beds. A single specimen surrounded by decomposed granite and accent boulders commands attention without competing plants. The blue skin creates stunning contrast against warm-toned stucco walls, Cor-Ten steel, and terracotta. For maximum impact, uplight at night to cast dramatic column shadows.

Statement Entryway Planting

Plant a matching pair of Fat Blue Myrtles on either side of a front door, driveway, or gate for a bold, symmetrical welcome. Their vertical form draws the eye upward while the blue color reads as sophisticated and intentional. Choose 15–25 gallon specimens for instant height and presence.

Desert Garden Background Column

Use Fat Blue Myrtle as a tall backdrop behind lower agaves, barrel cacti, and desert shrubs. Its vertical growth adds height without significant spread, making it ideal for layered desert plantings. Pair with Golden Barrel Cactus, Desert Spoon, and Agave americana for a classic Arizona desert composition. Space 4–6 feet from neighboring plants.

Best Time to Plant Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus in Phoenix

Late spring through early fall (April–October) is ideal for columnar cacti. Warm soil and air temperatures promote root establishment and reduce the risk of rot from cold-wet conditions. Avoid planting in winter when cold temperatures and dormancy slow root growth. For container-to-ground transplants, May through September is the sweet spot.

How to Plant Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus

  1. Dig wide, not deep — Excavate a hole 2–3x the width of the root ball, same depth. Never plant deeper than the original soil line.
  2. Check for caliche — Break through any hardpan layer. Columnar cacti absolutely require excellent drainage.
  3. Backfill with native soil — Mix in 30% pumice or perlite for improved drainage. No compost needed.
  4. Spacing — 4–6 feet apart for grouped plantings; 6+ feet for standalone specimens.
  5. Do not water immediately — Let the roots callous for 3–5 days after transplanting before the first watering.
  6. Mulch with gravel — 2–3 inches of rock mulch around the base. Avoid bark mulch that retains moisture against the trunk.

Watering Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus in Phoenix

First Year Watering Schedule

After initial callous period (3–5 days): Water deeply every 10–14 days.
Months 1–3: Every 10–14 days during warm months; monthly in winter.
After Year 1: Every 2–3 weeks in summer; once monthly or less in winter.
Established plants (3+ years): Survive on rainfall alone in most years.

Drip Irrigation

Place 1–2 GPH emitters 18–24 inches from the trunk base. Columnar cacti are highly sensitive to overwatering — always err on the dry side. Root rot is the #1 killer. If unsure, wait another week before watering.

How big does Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus get?
In Phoenix, Fat Blue Myrtle typically reaches 6–12 feet tall with a multi-branching candelabra form 4–8 feet wide. Growth rate is moderate at 6–12 inches per year once established. Larger specimens with multiple branches can take 10–15 years to develop their full form.

What's the difference between Fat Blue Myrtle and regular Blue Myrtle?
Same species (Myrtillocactus geometrizans), but the fat form develops noticeably thicker, wider columns. Standard Blue Myrtle has thinner, more pencil-like branches. The fat form creates a bolder, more substantial presence in the landscape.

Is Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus cold hardy in Phoenix?
It handles typical Phoenix winters well but can suffer damage below 25°F. In unusually cold winters, protect young plants with frost cloth. Mature specimens are more cold-tolerant. Plant in a warm microclimate (south or west-facing wall) for extra protection.

Does Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus produce fruit?
Yes — Myrtillocactus produces small edible purple berries called garambullo, popular in Mexican cuisine. You may see small greenish-white flowers along the ribs in spring, followed by fruit clusters. The berries attract birds and add seasonal interest.

You May Also Like

Blue Myrtle Cactus — The standard form with thinner columns and a more open branching habit.
Crested Blue Myrtle — A rare crested mutation with dramatic fan-shaped growth, perfect for collectors.
Totem Pole Major — A smooth, spineless columnar cactus with a bold sculptural presence.
San Pedro Cactus — A fast-growing columnar cactus with ribbed green columns, great for quick height.

How Many Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Do I Need?

This is a thick, multi-branching columnar cactus that matures 4 to 8 feet wide, so it is planted as a specimen or a spaced row of living pillars rather than a tight hedge. Use the grouping guide below, measuring center to center.

Planting use Spacing (on center) Layout
Single focal column n/a One specimen in granite with accent boulders
Entry pair 4 to 6 ft apart Two matched plants flanking a door or gate
Sculptural cluster 5 to 6 ft apart Odd-numbered group of 3 or 5 so each column stands clear
Spaced backdrop row 6 ft apart 5 plants span roughly 24 to 30 ft of bed

Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Season-by-Season in Phoenix

  • Spring (Feb to Apr): Small greenish-white flowers open along the ribs as days warm, the start of the garambullo fruit cycle. A good second window to plant once nights stay above the mid 40s.
  • Summer (May to Sep): Peak growth season. The thick blue columns shrug off Phoenix heat and reflected warmth from south and west walls. Monsoon humidity and rain push a flush of new branching, but keep the root zone on the dry side since rot is the main risk in wet heat.
  • Fall (Oct to Nov): Prime planting season with warm soil and easing heat. Berries finish coloring and draw birds. Roots establish quickly before winter.
  • Winter (Dec to Jan): Holds its blue evergreen structure but is the tender season. Expect cosmetic damage below about 25°F. Cover young plants with frost cloth on hard-freeze nights and site them against a warm wall for protection.

At a Glance

✔ Heat-Loving (Reflected-Heat Tolerant)   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Low-Maintenance   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Edible   ✔ Deer & Rabbit-Resistant   ✔ Cold-Hardy to 25°F

Plant It With

  • Blue Myrtle Cactus: the standard thinner-columned form, a natural companion for a graduated blue grouping.
  • Crested Blue Myrtle: the fan-shaped crested mutation of the same species, a collector's accent at the base.
  • Mexican Fence Post: a slim green columnar cactus that contrasts the fat blue columns for added vertical rhythm.
  • Golden Barrel: a low golden globe that grounds the tall blue columns at ground level.

Is Fat Blue Myrtle Cactus Right for Your Yard?

It thrives in full sun with sharp drainage, including hot reflected-heat spots against stucco or block walls, and asks for very little water once established. Give it room for the 4 to 8 foot branching spread and a warm microclimate so winter cold stays survivable. It is not a fit if your soil stays soggy or your planting spot drops well below 25°F without protection, since prolonged cold-wet conditions cause rot and frost scarring.

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SKU: 38958905421

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35 F glitter loving unicorn
Waukegan, US
★★★★★ 4
*update* Maybe(?) Perfect for those who hate eggs
Edit: Update It is with a heavy heart Im updating this review. When I said this sponge stains, I mean it really stains. Now to be fair it is marketed as a powder sponge and I use it with liquid so this my be entirely on the user (aka me) but it's like I can never get it clean. Between my repeated washing and the overall product build up the performance of this sponge went downhill quickly. The finish of my makeup suffered and the flocking took a beating. For what it's worth the sponge has not fallen apart and is still in one piece. But I get more of a 4 star finish than a 5 star finish. I've ended up using a large fluffy brush to buff out my foundation to get the desired result. I also ended up repurchasing the flocked flat ended egg from RT to replace this although at the moment I am still stubbornly using this sponge (and also avoiding doing my makeup) I do believe a lot of my issues are do to using this sponge with liquid foundation instead of power and that is on me. I'm finding it so very difficult to clean and the RT flocked egg cleans up so much easier. I don't hate this sponge but my lovefest has definitely taken a turn to more of a likefest. I am going to keep using (because I am stubborn like that) and see how long it takes to turn this relationship into a hatefest or fall apart completely, whichever happens first. I will most likely update again at that time. At this moment I am changing my review from 5 star to 4 star. I will be keeping my original review below. *original review* Yo I LOVE this thing. Ok here's the deal, I don't like the beauty blender, in fact I kinda hate it. Yea, I said it, I'm not on board with bouncing an egg all over my face, I think it's tedious and inefficient. I had at one time a flat teardrop shaped sponge that was my hands down favorite application tool for foundation. I used that thing until it literally fell apart. I tried to find a replacement but the store I had originally gotten it from no longer carried it so I kept using that ratty old sponge until it was missing chunks. I tried some other flat sponges but none worked as I wanted so I went back to brushes but I really hate cleaning foundation from brushes so I was pretty much hating my life. Then I found a flocked egg. Now I'm not a fan of the eggs but I was intrigued by the flocked texture and it had a nice flat edge so I tried it and it was almost as good as my old dearly missed flat teardrop sponge. I still was not a fan of bouncing an egg around on my face but I used this until the flocking wore off (about 6 months) Well, I saw this listing for a flat flocked sponge and I pounced on it. I am so incredibly deliriously happy with this little sponge. I love that it's flat and not an egg. I love the flocking. I love how it fits in my hand. I love love the finish I get with my foundation. I love it. Like I need to order a dozen more so I never run out and I'm trying to break my hoarding tendencies but for this tool I want to hoard. So the bad... It does stain easily. I wet my sponge before use and give it a quick clean after use. My old flocked egg would clean right up but this has stained on the first use. I also don't know how long this will hold up so I hope to update at a later time about that. Overall I couldn't be happier with this sponge.
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Reviewed in the United States on February 10, 2021
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Kristyne
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Perfect for liquid
This sponge is not made for liquid but I use it for my liquid foundation. The sponge won't last as long when it gets wet but it still lasts a LONG time! I put a drop of water on sponge first then dab a few times on my arm to dry with only a slight hint of moisture left (very dry feeling)... then add a drop of makeup (literally). The coverage is awesome and your makeup last 2 to 3x as long. Flawless finish. Love it! I recently updated my review...I still have same awesome sponge. Now I also mix a silicone air brush liquid (clear) to the liquid makeup it spreads farther and the finish is wonderful. Great product stays dry and drys very quick after use.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2014
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Doris
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 5
Love this product!
I’ve used this product for a long time. It’s nice and soft and works well on my skin. I wouldn’t use anything else.
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kjm27434
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★★★★★ 3
Its OK, but not nearly as easy to use as videos and reviews make it seem.
I ordered this flocked sponge based on reviews and on watching JI videos of applying pure pressed powder with it. I tried it 'damp' and it was awful mess! I tried it dry, and no powder was transferring to my face at all. I'll stick with my ELF blurring brush to apply JI pressed foundation (which I love).
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Reviewed in the United States on October 12, 2018
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cathy kilpatrick
San Leandro, US
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Jane Iredale sponge applicator
I’ve bought this for years and I find there the easiest and best way to even out your make up. I like them better than brushes.
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