Photo by Karl Gercens III
Used with permission, all rights reserved
Opuntia cochenillifera
Also Known As
- Cactus cochenillifera
- Nopalea cochenillifera
- Nopalea nuda
- Opuntia nuda
- Cochineal Nopal Cactus
Plant type
tree, shrub, cactus / succulent
size
- H: 3'-10'
- W: 4'-10'
planting zones
- 9a-12
Opuntia cochenillifera plant details
Opuntia cochenillifera is an evergreen cactus / succulent, shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring and summer magenta flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees, butterflies 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 average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.
CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia cochenillifera
- Plant type: cactus / succulent, shrub or tree
- Plant family: cactaceae
- Foliage: evergreen green
- Mature size: 4 FT - 10 FT - wide, 3 FT - 10 FT - tall
- Flowers: magenta blooms in spring and summer
- Uses: container plant, desert garden, edible, rock garden, tropical, xeric
GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia cochenillifera
- USDA Zones: 9a - 12
- Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
- Watering frequency: occasional - low
- Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
- Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained
Nursery contributed plant descriptions
By: Cactus Jungle
Garden photo gallery of Opuntia cochenillifera
By: Friends School Plant Sale by Nancy S.
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
View Original Photo
By: Friends School Plant Sale by Nancy S.
This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 license.
View Original PhotoGardening facts about Opuntia cochenillifera plant
How to Grow Opuntia cochenillifera
Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- occasional - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in winter
Soil Needs
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant
Features
Foliage Color
- green
Flower Color
- magenta
Wildlife
- bees
- butterflies
- hummingbirds
Fruit
- red
Flower Season
- spring
- summer
Foliage Season
- evergreen
Landscape groups by tags
See other plant types of Opuntia for your garden
aka Opuntia cycloides, Prickly Pear Cactus
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
7a-11
Size
Height: 4'-6'
Width: 6'-10'
- sun - mostly sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
aka Prickly Pear
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
7a-11
Size
Height: 1'-3'
Width: 3'-8'
- sun - bright shade
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
aka Opuntia potsii var. montana, Opuntia pottsii, Opuntia pottsii var. montana, Prickly Pear Cactus
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
4a-10b
Size
Height: 4"-15"
Width: 20"-30"
- sun - mostly sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
aka Opuntia subarmata, Prickly Pear Cactus
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
7a-10b
Size
Height: 3'-6'
Width: 5'-8'
- sun - mostly sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
aka Beavertail Cactus
Plant Type
Cactus / Succulent
Zones
7a-10b
Size
Height: 1'-2'
Width: 3'-4'
- sun - mostly sun
- occasional - drought tolerant
- dry in winter
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