Photo of Opuntia phaeacantha flower, form by Panayoti Kelaidis

Photo by Panayoti Kelaidis

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Opuntia phaeacantha

Also Known As

  • Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 1'-3'
  • W: 3'-8'

planting zones

  • 7a-11

More Options

Opuntia phaeacantha plant details

Opuntia phaeacantha is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue foliage. In spring and summer pink and yellow flowers emerge followed by purple and red fruit. Features glaucous texture. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - bright shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Adapts to various soil conditions. 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 phaeacantha

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 3 FT - 8 FT - wide, 1 FT - 3 FT - tall
Flowers: pink and yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia phaeacantha

USDA Zones: 7a - 11
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

One of the best opuntias for fruit!
Full Sun. Outdoor. Bright Yellow taking on shades of Pinkish-Orange as they age.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Very fiercely spined and grows to 2' high, lots of yellow flowers and edible fruit. Engelmann Native from Arizona, New Mexico, Texas and Mexico. 7" long pads make this species a topic in the garden.

Gardening facts about Opuntia phaeacantha plant

How to Grow Opuntia phaeacantha

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - bright shade
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • adaptable
    • lean
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • pink
    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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