Opuntia macrocentra 'Silver City'

Also Known As

Black-Spine Prickly Pear
Purple Prickly Pear
Red-joint Prickly Pear
Texas Santa Rita

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 2'-3'
W: 2'-3'

planting zones

6a-11

More Options

Opuntia macrocentra 'Silver City' plant details

Opuntia macrocentra 'Silver City' is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and purple foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge followed by purple and red 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 macrocentra 'Silver City'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and purple
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 2 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia macrocentra 'Silver City'

USDA Zones: 6a - 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

This smaller prickly pear to 2 - 3' may lack the stature of its friends, but makes up for it in beauty and is great for smaller spaces. The flowers are yellow with red centers, and the plant turns a beautiful red-purple in winter. This form from Silver City, NM had larger pads than most, and black spines. DS.