SKU: 54233729701
blue pencil cactus

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

Sale price$19.95 Regular price$22.17
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $5.54 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Sep 30 - Oct 5

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

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.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 54233729701

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell blue pencil cactus

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 12 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
V
Verified Purchase
Valhalla49
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
When they said strong...
...they weren't kidding. Our pup would chew through everything she could get her sharks teeth into. Like my arms. Nothing lasted as long as a week or maybe two. But she has had Dino for months now. She loves him. He is the go to toy for when she wants to play tug. The material used to make this toy is every bit as strong as the seller claims. I will definitely buy from them again. And I will not wait for this one to rip. I may be waiting a long time. If your pup likes to tear stuff apart, feel safe in buying this toy, UPDATE: 2/9/2023 Dino finally succumbed to the torture. His back ripped open and despite trying to repair him with ordinary thread he couldn't withstand the pressure, His stuffing was removed and spread all over the living room. Completely emptied he is still a good toy. Strong enough to withstand the forceful play of tug-o-war. Only thing I would suggest is to use something stronger when closing his back. The rest of him is great. I will be replacing him soon.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2023
R
Verified Purchase
Rachel
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 4
Not so tough
Size: Mini, Color: Gator (Pink)
I bought this because I dog sit. The dog chews up every. Single. Toy. So I bought it since it was cheap and it can be in the “chunk” (the dog’s name) toy box. It is not durable at all. He tore it up just as fast as a cheaply made toy. Chunk LOVES it! He would not stop playing with it. He loves the squeakers, it is a perfect size for him to throw it up in the air and chase it, and he loved ripping the legs off. It is good for my husband and I because there is little to no fluff. However, it is the perfect size to drop behind the couch and not be able to get. So once he drops it behind the couch, he won’t get it until morning. Now for my dog’s rating. My dog loves this toy too. He is much more gentle with toys (he has $5 Walmart toys we bought him back in 2020 in perfect condition that he plays with them every day). Before Chunk came over for the weekend, my dog Ted played with this. Ted is a larger small dog and chunk is a smaller small dog. And it is still the perfect size for both dogs.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 26, 2026
S
Verified Purchase
Scott T
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 5
Tough
Size: Large, Color: Dinos Frills (Pink)
Tough dog toy that's held up through multiple washes! My dogs love the squeaker. They are not destructive chewers so I can't really say how it would hold up with that kind of dog though.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on June 8, 2026
O
Verified Purchase
ocd_reader
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Cute and well made my dogs love it.
Size: Mini, Color: Gator (Pink)
Cute little toy definatly for small toy sized dogs. This toy is bright and colorful and well made. My little dog likes it very much and tosses it around all the time. Great toy for fetch.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
MW
Draper, US
★★★★★ 1
Squeaker inside toy breaks after 2 days
Size: Mini, Color: Gator (Pink)
Bought for my 8 lb chihuahua for Christmas. I have 3 little girls. The youngest loves her toys and of course she took this one over immediately. She just loved everything about it. The material on the gator is amazingly durable and I believe would hold up for a good while. The squeaker inside the toy however, broke after 2 days of my girl playing with it. It's now a noiseless toy that she does not like too much as it does not squeak because it only had the one squeaker in it. I would recommend that 2 squeakers be inserted into this gator. I would not purchase again due to the longevity of the squeaker...only lasted 2 days.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2026

recommand products