Native & adapted

Dragon fruit

Selenicereus undatus

Also known as Pitaya · Pitahaya · Strawberry pear · Hylocereus undatus · Thanh long

A climbing cactus with huge white night flowers and bright fruit. It grows well in Phoenix on a sturdy post if shaded from the harshest summer sun.

EdibleFruitingClimbing cactusPollinatorNight blooming

Landscape layersClimbing

Mature sizeVine 10–20 ft long; trained on a 5–6 ft post it forms a 4–6 ft wide umbrella

Climate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b

Plant spacing6–10 ft between posts

FrostStems damaged at 32°F; plants killed below about 28°F without cover.

Special categoriesEDIBLE · POLLINATOR ATTRACTING

Hardiness guidanceUSDA 10–11; stems damaged near 32°F and killed below about 28°F

Winter chillNone

Typical harvestFruit ripens about 30 to 50 days after each bloom, in flushes from July to November.

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Soil chemistry

Fast-draining soil rich in compost. Tolerates alkaline soil better than most tropicals.

Required microclimatePlacement is part of the growing system.

East-facing wall or under shade cloth in summer, with frost cover in winter.

Right plant, right place

Needs a strong post or trellis about 5 to 6 ft tall. A 15-gallon or larger pot works well and can be moved into shade in summer.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b.

Light

Full sun in spring and fall; 30 to 50% shade from June to September, when stems sunburn yellow.

Water

Moderate. Much more than desert cacti: water weekly in summer, and keep it barely moist in winter.

Fruit set

Some varieties are self-fertile; others need a second variety. Hand pollinating with a brush at night greatly improves fruit set.

Harvest

Scoop the chilled flesh with a spoon, or blend it into drinks and bowls.

Planting & stewardship