Opuntia basilaris var. heilii [Type local]

Also Known As

Beavertail Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 1'-2'
W: 2'-4'

planting zones

4a-10b

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Opuntia basilaris var. heilii [Type local] plant details

Opuntia basilaris var. heilii [Type local] is a cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring pink flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in alkaline, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia basilaris var. heilii [Type local]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Mature size: 2 FT - 4 FT - wide, 1 FT - 2 FT - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia basilaris var. heilii [Type local]

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: alkaline, gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Named for botanist Ken Heil and collected from the northeastern population of the beavertail cactus. This clone, found growing in heavy alkaline soil in south central Utah and collected via a single pad years ago by plantsman Tim Hanis, produces dense clusters of blue-bodied plants, rather short on glochids, a good thing! It has been our favorite so far growing robustly and producing abundant, warm pink flowers in late spring. Easy in in the ground or container provided full sun and good drainage. Frost hardy to at least -30F, USDA zone 4.