Opuntia phaeacantha [white spined]

Also Known As

Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 5'-6'
W: 5'-6'

planting zones

5a-10b

Opuntia phaeacantha [white spined] plant details

Opuntia phaeacantha [white spined] is an evergreen 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 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 phaeacantha [white spined]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 5 FT - 6 FT - wide, 5 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia phaeacantha [white spined]

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
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

Originally collected in the highlands of central Arizona, this upright prickly pear, to 5-6 ft high and as wide, has pads up to 8" or more in width/length of a pleasing olive-green with ivory-white central spines and yellow flowers with a tad of orange in age followed by rounded reddish fruit. This clone has adorned Portland gardens for 20 years or more and is one of the finer of the large prickly pears for us. Full sun to dappled shade along with decent drainage. Frost hardy to -20F, USDA zone 5.