Good plant, mediocre results — what went wrong with my Saguaro

Saguaro is clearly a great plant — I can see that from other people's results. Mine has been decent but not spectacular, and I think I know why.

I underestimated the importance of protecting from frost below -5°C even for hardy varieties in the early stages and paid for it. root rot from any waterlogging in winter also knocked the plant back at a critical point. It lives in a dry garden rockery or gravel bed which is probably not quite right but it's the best I can do in my space. spectacular but brief blooms that can appear overnight is visible but muted. rapid growth during the warm summer months gave me hope — there are glimpses of what it could be. Three stars for now with potential for four.