Teddy Bear ChollaArizona's Iconic Golden Desert Cactus Glowing Spines & Untouchable Beauty Teddy Bear Cholla (Cylindropuntia bigelovii) is one of the most iconic and photogenic cacti in the Sonoran Desert. Despite its cuddly name, this cactus is anything but its densely packed, silvery gold spines create a stunning halo effect that glows in the Arizona sun, making it one of the most visually striking plants in any desert landscape. Teddy Bear Cholla is a true Sonoran

Month 3–6: Every 7–10 days (every 5–7 days during summer peaks)

It handles the reflected heat of asphalt

Patience pays off — the tight

Handles reflected heat from walls and patios

Mulch — apply 2–3 inches of bark or gravel mulch to insulate roots and retain moisture

Bear Grass is one of the most versatile native plants for Phoenix borders and mass plantings

not waiting for them to grow

The pea-shaped flowers of Lilac Vine are highly attractive to native bees

and extreme Valley temperatures once established

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

Plant it among native boulders

and a 5-gallon plant reaches mature size in 3–4 years