Cactus Flowers - II

From the bud in yesterday's post to the flower today. This cactus is (was) about 8 feet tall. It had about 20 flowers. Unfortunately, a hard freeze two years ago killed all but one stalk. Several new stalks have begun at the base so I suspect it will once again look like this:

Cactus Flowers

Budding Cactus Flower

We are into the "C's" in my list of "5" Star Photos and we come to some cactus blossoms. The first one, is still just a "bud." However, it is six inches long also. I like the fine detail and the wonderful soft muted background of light green below, light blue above, and then the pinkish hue in the middle.

Cactus Flower

Another Bloomin' Cactus

Here's another -- not quite so spectacular -- barrel cactus in bloom. This time white flowers. How can something so small have such big flowers?

Bloomin' Cactus

One of our barrel cactus just bloomed. The first photo is the cactus blooming last year. Just a single flower. The second photo is the cactus beginning to bloom this year. (I took this yesterday).  Then today, full bloom, and finally a closeup. The blossoms don't last long. They open at night are in full bloom with the morning sun, and then by afternoon they start deteriorating. But it is a beautiful sight while it lasts. At full bloom there were over 4 dozen blossoms.