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Opuntia polyacantha 'Crystal Tide'

Also Known As

Opuntia polyacanthus 'Crystal Tide'
Crystal Tide Prickly Pear Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent, groundcover

size

H: 6"-18"
W: 18"-48"

planting zones

5a-10b

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Opuntia polyacantha 'Crystal Tide' plant details

Opuntia polyacantha 'Crystal Tide' is an evergreen groundcover cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer white flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. 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 and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia polyacantha 'Crystal Tide'

Plant type: groundcover cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 18 IN - 48 IN - wide, 6 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia polyacantha 'Crystal Tide'

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Plains prickly pear (Opuntia polyacantha) is found from the Canadian prairies south to northern Mexico. 'Crystal Tide' is a Claude Barr introduction with beautiful oval to diamond shaped, olive green pads with golden and white spines. The flowers are silver pink. Plant in full sun in sharply draining soil.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

This Claude Barr introduction forms dense clumps to 18" tall and spreading to 3 feet. The olive green pads are covered with golden and white spines. Silver pink flowers occur in mid spring. Very good container or landscape plant for well-drained soil and bright light. To zone 3.