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Opuntia fragilis IB77 [Sequim]

Also Known As

Brittle Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent, groundcover

size

H: 6"-12"
W: 24"-72"

planting zones

5a-10b

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Opuntia fragilis IB77 [Sequim] plant details

Opuntia fragilis IB77 [Sequim] is an evergreen groundcover cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. 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 fragilis IB77 [Sequim]

Plant type: groundcover cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN - 72 IN - wide, 6 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia fragilis IB77 [Sequim]

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
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

Opuntia fragilis [Sequim, Washington] From a collection by Ian Barclay near his wonderful nursery in Sequim Washington, this rainshadow population growing on rocks near the Puget Sound might not be the most beautiful form in the world but it certainly is interesting! A rather sparsely spined creature, forming open clumps with occasional light yellow flowers. It is always a surprise to come across a prickly pear west of the Cascades Mountains and these have surprised many a beachcomber taking a break on nearby rocks. Sun for sure. Frost hardy to -30 °F, USDA zone 4. Cactaceae

By: Cistus Nursery

The only cactus native to western Washington, this diminutive cactus has appeal as more than just a curiosity. It forms an attractive low mound of rounded spiny pads usually ranging in size from 2' to as much as 6' across if allowed. Yellow flowers appear in June, although it doesn't always flower every year, even in the wild. It looks great in a rock garden or cactus garden or as a small-scale groundcover in gravelly or sandy areas. It will appreciate full sun and a space free of competition from other plants. It should be propagated and cultivated more, as numerous factors seem to be hastening its demise in the wild. Hardy to at least -20 °F, perhaps much lower.