The saguaro cactus is an iconic symbol of the Southwest. When it comes to adding the touch of the Southwest to your garden. Then the saguaro cactus cost can be one important consideration of most gardeners.
Although these grandiose giants are certainly adding beauty and character to any landscape, at times they can be expensive. The good news is that there is a range of cheap options that will enable you to create a desert-themed garden without emptying your wallet.
Learning the Cost of the Saguaro Cactus.
It is important to know what goes into the price of saguaro cactus before we delve into the alternatives. The size, age, and rarity are some of the factors that will play a significant role in the price.
A small saguaro may run some few hundred dollars, and a big well-grown cactus may well run you into thousands. Saguaro cactus can be priced differently all over Arizona depending on demand and supply since these cactus are indigenous.
The next thing that needs to be mentioned in case you are planning to buy saguaro cactus is that the growth of such a plant can take decades. Consequently, there is a tendency of numerous purchasers to pay a high price in larger specimens. Although this investment can be justified in case of a few, not all people can afford such an investment.
Discovering Alternative Affordability.
In case the saguaro cactus pricing is not within your means, do not panic. These are some of the cheap substitutes that will make it possible to have that needed Southwest without paying that high price tag.
Smaller Cacti Varieties
The prickly pear, or the barrel cactus, are some of the best substitutes. They are less expensive types and can cover less space. They also retain that desert appearance. They can be found in the local nurseries or garden centres, often at a quarter of the price of a saguaro.
Succulents
Succulents are the solution to the issue of having the desert atmosphere and at low prices. The type of plants that would introduce variety in the garden would also be the succulents, as they would introduce different colors and shapes in that garden.
Some of the most common ones like jade plants, aloe vera and echeveria are not only cheap but also quite easy to care for, thereby making them an excellent choice to the beginner and seasoned gardeners.
Desert Trees
plants such as the mesquites or the Palo Verde could be considered. These will not be the replica of the saguaro aesthetically but they provide a beautiful backdrop and color and environment to the local animals.
They are also able to flourish in dry areas and their prices of cactus tend to be very cheap as opposed to a saguaro.
Drought-Resistant Plants
By planting plants that are resistant to droughts in your garden, you would save time and money in terms of spending less on watering your plants and yet have a flowery appearance. Lavender, agave, and yucca are not costly plants which may be utilized to accommodate the desert theme.
They are also powerful and require less maintenance and are therefore good with hectic house owners.
Rock Gardens
In case you want something more innovative then you can make a rock garden. This can be an amalgamation of different rocks and gravel, smaller cacti and succulents.
The textures used are very pleasant and help in the illusion of the natural desert land without focusing on the saguaro cactus value.
Artificial Cacti
Artificial cacti can be a potential fun and cheap alternative to the individuals who would like to have the look of a saguaro but do not want to spend the money.
High quality imitations can be highly realistic and can be placed in any type of environment be it indoors or outdoors. It also does not need any maintenance, watering, and the hassles of taking care of the plant.
Conclusion
Although the range of saguaro cactus cost may look prohibitive, it will by no means act as a deterrent to building a stunning garden. You can get the desired desert look without spending a lot by searching different alternatives like smaller cacti, succulents and plants that survive the drought.
Gardening is not only a matter of creativity and personal expression. It is easy to research and imagine the ideal mix of plants that can beautify your outdoor area and make it something special to you.
Call a saguaro cactus expert and take your gardens to new heights.
