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Opuntia basilaris IB121

Also Known As

Beavertail Cactus
Beavertail Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent, groundcover

size

H: 6"-12"
W: 36"-48"

planting zones

7a-11

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Opuntia basilaris IB121 plant details

Opuntia basilaris IB121 is an evergreen groundcover cactus / succulent with blue and purple foliage. In spring and summer pink flowers emerge followed by purple fruit. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia basilaris IB121

Plant type: groundcover cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and purple
Mature size: 36 IN - 48 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia basilaris IB121

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One of the best forms of beavertail cactus I have found, this plant grows to about 1' x 4' with soft purplish-grey pads. It is a surprisingly vigorous grower and very floriferous, with spectacular masses of large pink flowers. Coming from about 3,900' in the San Jacinto Mountains, it should be hardy to about 0 °F.