{"product_id":"thelocactus-bicolor-ssp-bolaensis-summer-snow-white-spined-coahuila-cactus-collector-cactus-growing-in-4-inch","title":"Thelocactus bicolor ssp. bolaensis 'Summer Snow' | White-Spined Coahuila Cactus | Collector Cactus Growing in 4 Inch","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThelocactus bicolor ssp. bolaensis 'Summer Snow'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a distinctive horticultural selection of the white-spined \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebolaensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e subspecies, admired for its exceptionally dense, pale spination and spectacular magenta flowers. The bright white to creamy spines create a frosted appearance over the green stem, giving this clone the snow-covered look reflected in the name \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e'Summer Snow'\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. With maturity, the plant develops a strongly sculptural appearance as its ribs elongate and the dense spines become increasingly prominent.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe subspecies itself is one of the most distinctive geographic forms within the highly variable \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThelocactus bicolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e complex. Compared with typical \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eT. bicolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, ssp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebolaensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is especially notable for its strong, predominantly white spines and its tendency in some western populations to develop elongated stems and eventually form impressive clusters. Kew currently accepts \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThelocactus bicolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ssp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebolaensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as a distinct subspecies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNative Habitat:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThelocactus bicolor ssp. bolaensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is endemic to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCoahuila, Mexico\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCerro Bola\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e recognized as the type locality. Documented populations occur on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elimestone and sandstone slopes and rocky outcrops\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, generally at elevations of approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1,000–1,500 meters (3,280–4,920 feet)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Field-numbered collections also document plants from the southern slopes of the \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSierra de Parras\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e at approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1,200–1,410 meters\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe geology appears to influence spine coloration. Plants occurring on \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003elimestone hills around Sierra Bola\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e are especially associated with the dense white spination characteristic of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebolaensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, while nearby populations on sandstone can develop straw-colored to reddish spines and approach forms historically known as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ewagnerianus\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This geographic transition illustrates the considerable natural variation present within the broader \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThelocactus bicolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e complex.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFlowering Information:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMature plants produce spectacular \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003emagenta to pink flowers with a contrasting deep red throat\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, generally measuring approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e6–8 cm (2.4–3.1 inches) across\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Flowers emerge from the crown and may be produced repeatedly during the warmer growing season, creating a dramatic contrast against the dense white spines.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe flowers are \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ehermaphroditic\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, containing functional stamens and a functional pistil within each flower. \u003cstrong\u003eC\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eross-pollination between genetically distinct flowering plants is recommended for dependable seed production and preservation of genetic diversity.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSoil Type:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eGrow in a very fast-draining, predominantly mineral substrate containing \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003epumice, coarse grit, decomposed granite, limestone gravel, and only a modest amount of organic material\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Because natural populations occur on both limestone and sandstone-derived substrates, the plant should not be treated as an obligate limestone specialist.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAvoid overly rich soil, which can encourage unnaturally elongated or soft growth. Allow the substrate to dry thoroughly between waterings and keep the root zone especially dry during cool weather. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHardiness:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBest suited to approximately \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUSDA Zones 9–11\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e for outdoor cultivation. Established plants are reported to tolerate brief temperatures near \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e20°F (-7°C)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e when completely dry, but prolonged freezing conditions—particularly when combined with wet soil—should be avoided.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ecool, dry winter dormancy\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is strongly recommended. Keeping the plant dry through the coldest part of winter helps protect the root system and encourages strong spring growth and flowering.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eLight Requirements:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThrives in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebright light to full sun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Strong light encourages compact growth, dense spine production, and abundant flowering. The epidermis may develop bronze coloration under particularly intense exposure, which is a normal stress response rather than necessarily a sign of damage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePlants grown under greenhouse conditions should be gradually acclimated before exposure to intense outdoor sun. In extremely hot climates, some light afternoon protection can reduce the risk of scorching while preserving the heavy white spination.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePropagation:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePrimarily propagated from \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eseed\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, which is the normal method for the subspecies because plants do not reliably produce offsets. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCollector's Note:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe taxon now accepted as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThelocactus bicolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ssp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebolaensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e has a long botanical history. It was originally described by \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCarl Runge in 1889 as \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocactus bolaensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, based on plants associated with \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCerro Bola, Coahuila\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. It was subsequently treated as a variety of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEchinocactus bicolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and later \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThelocactus bicolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e before \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAlexander Doweld\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e published the currently accepted subspecies combination in \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e1999\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. Kew's Plants of the World Online presently recognizes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThelocactus bicolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e ssp. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebolaensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e as an accepted subspecies.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOne particularly interesting feature of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003ebolaensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is the geographic variation within its native range. Populations around \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSierra Bola and Sierra Zavaleta\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e can produce large multiheaded clusters, while plants toward Saltillo tend to become more solitary and grade toward differently colored forms of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eT. bicolor\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e. This natural variation, combined with its brilliant flowers and distinctive white armament, makes \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThelocactus bicolor ssp. bolaensis\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e one of the most visually striking members of the genus.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003eThis is for one plant similar to the one shown growing in a 4\" inch container shipped bare root. All of our plants are guaranteed pest-free and healthy upon delivery, and we ship within the United States. Shipping is done Monday thru Friday.\u003cbr\u003eAny questions please ask.\u003cbr\u003e#prsucculents\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Phoenix Rising Succulents","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47334778273961,"sku":null,"price":20.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0217\/7391\/0096\/files\/20260720_173711.jpg?v=1786148433","url":"https:\/\/prsucculents.com\/products\/thelocactus-bicolor-ssp-bolaensis-summer-snow-white-spined-coahuila-cactus-collector-cactus-growing-in-4-inch","provider":"Phoenix Rising Succulents","version":"1.0","type":"link"}