Opuntia microdasys [Large form]

Also Known As

Bunny Ears Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

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

planting zones

8a-10b

Opuntia microdasys [Large form] plant details

Opuntia microdasys [Large form] is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In summer flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and occasional 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 verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia microdasys [Large form]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia microdasys [Large form]

USDA Zones: 8a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Shared with us by Desert Way Nursery, this super-sized bunny ears cactus grows to 3-4' tall with bright green pads up to 6-8" across each spotted with pale dots of golden glochids. (The species name, microdasys, joins the Greek words for "hairy" (pieris) and "small" (dasys), perfectly describes this fuzzy feature.) In May or June numerous flowers open pale yellow, fading towards red. Best in lean soil with good drainage and lots of sun. Frost hardy to as low as 10 °F, bottom of USDA zone 8. Better if kept dry in winter.