Cylindropuntia viridiflora

Also Known As

Opuntia imbricata var. viridiflora - [Sante Fe, NM]
Opuntia viridiflora
Prickly Pear Cactus
Santa Fe Cholla

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 4'-5'

planting zones

5a-10b

Cylindropuntia viridiflora plant details

Cylindropuntia viridiflora is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer apricot flowers emerge. Features fuzzy and glaucous texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with 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 Cylindropuntia viridiflora

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 4 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: apricot blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cylindropuntia viridiflora

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

An unusual and rare form of cholla with lovely apricot flowers surrounded by green to brownish red tepals -- the colors variable and exciting. Found just north of Santa Fe, New Mexico, these shrubby creatures, to 3-4' tall x 4-5' wide, are dense with narrow, multibranched stems, each stem ending in a whorl of joints --all with elongated tubercles and and sharp spines creating a distinctly prickly texture. Blooms in July. Full sun and lean, sandy soil that drains well is best. Drought tolerant but accepts occasional summer water happily. Frost hardy in USDA Zone 5.