Opuntia 'Kelly's Choice'

Also Known As

Opuntia basilaris x santa-rita 'Kelly's Choice'

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 4'-6'

planting zones

5a-10b

More Options

Opuntia 'Kelly's Choice' plant details

Opuntia 'Kelly's Choice' is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green and white foliage. In spring and summer red flowers emerge. Features fuzzy 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 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 'Kelly's Choice'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green and white
Mature size: 4 FT - 6 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia 'Kelly's Choice'

USDA Zones: 5a - 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

This charming beavertail cactus hybrid from Mountain States Nursery grows to 3-4 ft with the rounded soft pads of O. basilaris but the upright form and purple tinting of O. santa-rita. Free-flowering in a deep rose-red in mid to late spring. These plants makes fine container specimens or they can be grown outside above USDA zone 5 in bright light and very sharp drainage.