Opuntia 'Red Gem'

Also Known As

Red Gem Prickly Pear Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent, groundcover

size

H: 3"-5"
W: 12"-18"

planting zones

4a-10b

Opuntia 'Red Gem' plant details

Opuntia 'Red Gem' is an evergreen groundcover cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer magenta and pink flowers emerge. 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, verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia 'Red Gem'

Plant type: groundcover cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 12 IN - 18 IN - wide, 3 IN - 5 IN - tall
Flowers: magenta and pink blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia 'Red Gem'

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A gorgeous little prickly pear given to us by Colorado's Kelly Grummons and we could find no better description than his with hopefully enough credit due: "An apparent hybrid between basilaris or aurea with fragilis! The small, round, 2-3" wide pads have very short spines and are fragile (pads break off easily). The petite, deep pinkish red flowers in June are abundant. Beautiful in the rock garden or in containers. Fergusen thinks this MAY be Opuntia polyacantha v. schweriniana…still a mystery. 4" high by 18" wide. Zone 4." Frost hardy to -30 °F, USDA Zone 4.