Comparing Golden Barrel varieties — notes from growing several

I've grown several varieties within the Golden Barrel family and have some observations to share. spectacular but brief blooms that can appear overnight varies noticeably between them, more than catalogue descriptions suggest. The care fundamentals are shared — using pure mineral grit for drainage in the soil mix applies across all of them.

root rot from any waterlogging in winter affects some more than others, particularly in adverse conditions. I grow mine in a grouped desert landscape display which works well for most varieties. rapid growth during the warm summer months is the clearest moment of differentiation between varieties — that's when the character of each comes through. Worth growing a few side by side if you have the space.