If I’ve learned anything since my introduction to photographing Cholla Cactus flowers, it’s that there are countless varieties. And these diverse varieties bloom in an array of colors. Initially I was only familiar with the plants with the more recognizable magenta pink flowers. Then I was introduced to the Snow Leopard cholla with its long white spines and lemon yellow flowers at the Xeric gardens I frequented in Colorado.
Moving back to Santa Fe and coming across the Cactus Demonstration Garden opened my eyes AND camera to other varieties I had no idea existed. Stumbling across the cactus garden last fall I had no idea what awaited me come spring and early summer. It was officially time to break out my thick garden pad! There’s much to be said for when one explores on foot!!
My timing was not exactly ideal to capture some of these Cholla Cactus flowers in their prime. However one must work with what’s right in front of them in the moment and be grateful. And for that, I was!
The Cholla Cactus Flower Budding Begins
The budding process is like a teaser of what’s to come. And Cholla, with their potty buds are a fav. I still think these plants look like alien beings and it can be hard to believe such beauty unfolds from them.
One of my all time favorite photos is of a budding cholla. So when I see buds, I cannot resist a photo or two!
It’s hard to believe that contained in this pointy, spiny package is a magnificent magenta pink flower yet to bloom. It is quite magical to have the opportunity to observe how this process unfolds.
For those that may never have seen these plants, a trip to a Desert Botanical Garden would be well worth your time!
Discovering Other Cholla Varieties
As mentioned above, discovering new varieties of Cholla cactus and their corresponding flowers was eye opening. If not a bit painful in one instance! For the record, I do love the magenta flowers that the Cholla I’m familiar with produce. But who can resist new flower discoveries when they are a flower photographer?
Having never seen a Buckhorn Cholla cactus before, with its peachy colored, variegated flowers, it looked more like a rose. So pretty!
The tricky part was given where this cactus plant was growing proved challenging to capture any photos. Unlike other plants in the garden, its positioning was up against a wire fence.
In leaning over the fence and getting far too close I wound up with cactus spines in my forehead!! Ouch!! I felt like a unicorn!
It was pretty funny albeit a bit painful but at least I was able to capture a photo. Definitely need to head back to this plant next year for more photo ops.
The other Cholla which was completely new to me was the Santa Fe Cholla. It’s found only in Santa Fe County and considered an endangered species. With its soft, salmon colored flowers who wouldn’t want to protect this variety of Cholla? Now that I know these plants exist and where to find them and when they are likely to bloom, that’s another definite for me next season.
Of course one has to give some props to Snow Leopard Cholla and I was glad to have seen some of these plants at the demonstration garden. Their bright, lemon yellow flowers are so distinct. And these are some mighty spiny plants! Have plucked far too many of their spines out of various parts of my body in the past. Live and learn – sort of…
Hello Bees!
Can’t leave out some photos of the heavy hitters in the Cholla Cactus world. Those gorgeous magenta pink flowers that drive bees to them in droves. I didn’t capture bee cholla photos as I would have liked. But at least there were a few bee moments this season.
All in all, I would say this season as a whole was lots of recon for next year. Always grateful for what Nature may provide. However, it’s on me to learn these cactus blooming cycles. With lots of notes now at my disposal, I’ll be better equipped to capture more moments of these new to me Cholla flower varieties when they bloom next year – yay! 🙂
● If you love Blooming Cactus Flowers, be sure to check out the Cactus Flowers Gallery Collection for more spiny goodness!