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Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunset'

Also Known As

Opuntia 'Sunset'
Sunset Prickly Pear Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 3'-9'
W: 3'-9'

planting zones

9a-12

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Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunset' plant details

Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunset' is an evergreen cactus / succulent with chartreuse, gold, green and variegated foliage. In spring magenta flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly 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, humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunset'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen chartreuse, gold, green and variegated
Mature size: 3 FT - 9 FT - wide, 3 FT - 9 FT - tall
Flowers: magenta blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunset'

USDA Zones: 9a - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: heat, humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A most attractive variegated prickly pear with but few spines and striking green, cream, and yellow stripes on each pad. The plant often tinted orange in sun or with winter frost. To about 3 x 3 feet in as many years. The mexican origin dictates hardiness only to the bottom of zone 9, possibly 8 if super duper dry. Excellent container plant and not particularly water sensitive.

By: Cistus Nursery

Garden photo gallery of Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunset'

Photo of Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunset' by plant lust

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By: plant lust

Photo of Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunset' foliage by Danger Garden

By: Danger Garden

By: Cistus Nursery

By: plant lust

By: plant lust

By: plant lust

By: plant lust

Gardening facts about Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunset' plant

How to Grow Opuntia cochenillifera 'Sunset'

Sun Exposure
- sun - mostly sun
Water Needs
- occasional - drought tolerant
Water Needs
- dry in winter
Soil Needs
- average
- lean
- well-drained
- rocky
- gritty
Special Situation
- heat tolerant
- humidity tolerant
- verticillium wilt resistant