Opuntia 'Cyclops'

Also Known As

Cyclops Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 12"-36"

planting zones

4a-10b

More Options

Opuntia 'Cyclops' plant details

Opuntia 'Cyclops' is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees 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 and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia 'Cyclops'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 36 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia 'Cyclops'

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Though the name has been around a long time, this plant's origins are unclear We do know this is a cute little prickly pear to 1 ft or 18" in height, probably having O. macrorhiza in its ancestry, with rounded pads of 4-6" forming tight clusters with dark bunches of spines appearing as polka dots from a distance. Cheery yellow flowers appear in mid to late spring. Good for container or sunny garden. And, as one would expect, very drought tolerant though west of the Sierra or Cascades would like a drink from the hose once in a while to spur growth. Frost hardy to -30F, USDA zone 4.