Photo of Opuntia echinocarpa 'Portal Blonde' foliage by plant lust

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Opuntia echinocarpa 'Portal Blonde'

Also Known As

  • Wiggin's Cholla

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 3'-4'
  • W: 2'-3'

planting zones

  • 3a-10b

Opuntia echinocarpa 'Portal Blonde' plant details

Opuntia echinocarpa 'Portal Blonde' is a cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia echinocarpa 'Portal Blonde'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Mature size: 2 FT - 3 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia echinocarpa 'Portal Blonde'

USDA Zones: 3a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A Cistus Introduction: One of Sean's original collections from 1981 from the east face of the Sierra Nevada just downhill from the Whitney portal, this small cholla to about 4' is clothed with warm golden spines that fade cream as they age. Yellow flowers in mid spring. Lovers of particularly well-drained soil and easy to grow. A fine container or landscape plant. Zone 3. Cactaceae

Gardening facts about Opuntia echinocarpa 'Portal Blonde' plant

How to Grow Opuntia echinocarpa 'Portal Blonde'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Flower Season

    • spring

See other plant types of Opuntia for your garden

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Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
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aka Prickly Pear

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 1'-3'

Width: 3'-8'

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  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
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Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 4"-15"

Width: 20"-30"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
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Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

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Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 5'-8'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
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aka Beavertail Cactus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 3'-4'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
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