Opuntia humifusa [Long Island, NY]

Also Known As

Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent, groundcover

size

H: 8"-12"
W: 24"-36"

planting zones

4a-10b

Opuntia humifusa [Long Island, NY] plant details

Opuntia humifusa [Long Island, NY] is an evergreen groundcover cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and regular - 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 humifusa [Long Island, NY]

Plant type: groundcover cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 24 IN - 36 IN - wide, 8 IN - 12 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia humifusa [Long Island, NY]

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An upright form of the eastern prickly pear, these have lighter green and more rounded pads than normal but are just as easy in the garden. To under 1 ft tall these forms clumps to up to 3 ft wide. Lemon-yellow flowers appear in mid spring, hopefully leading to dark red fruit in the summer. Hummingbirds love 'em; deer don't. Garden water tolerant but good drainage never hurts in full sun to dappled shade. Frost hardy to USDA zone 5 or below.

By: Cistus Nursery

Gardening facts about Opuntia humifusa [Long Island, NY] plant

How to Grow Opuntia humifusa [Long Island, NY]

Sun Exposure
- sun - dappled shade
Water Needs
- regular - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in winter
Soil Needs
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant