A central spike to 2' above the foliage bearing a heavy show of creamy white flowers is seen on mature plants in warm locations. The very regular habit, outstanding color, and relatively unarmed leaves make a good one to use in landscapes. Drainage must be good, however, and plants should be sited where winter sun will warm and help dry soil. In addition, along the coast or in other wet climates soils must be highly mineral or the roots will rot off in winters. Such plants can usually be plopped right back onto the ground and they will root out again in spring, but eventually cold, wet soils will mean the end of the plant.
Gophers also love to devour the roots from underneath, so be vigilant.
In general the above advice can be adapted for a wide range of cactus and succulents. This species also makes an excellent container plant for a hot site, with its strong architectural component and even, regular leaf pattern. Frost hardy for all of California except the far north, northeast corner and mountain regions. US Southwest, Mexico. Sun to mostly shade.