Opuntia fragilis 'Alberta Sunset'

Also Known As

Alberta Sunset Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 4"-5"
W: 18"

planting zones

3a-10b

More Options

Opuntia fragilis 'Alberta Sunset' plant details

Opuntia fragilis 'Alberta Sunset' is a cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring pink 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 fragilis 'Alberta Sunset'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Mature size: 18 IN wide, 4 IN - 5 IN - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia fragilis 'Alberta Sunset'

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

Fragile prickly pear (Opuntia fragilis) is widespread across western North America and occurs in all Canadian provinces from Ontario west plus the western half of the US. It has small pads that can be cylindrical (usually in the BC interior) or larger and somewhat flattened (BC coastal forms). The pads can be upright or prostrate. In summer they produce bright yellow cactus flowers. This is the most northerly of all cactus species occurring only 8 degrees of latitude south of the Arctic Circle in Alberta. Plant in full sun in sharply draining soil. 'Alberta Sunset' is a Claude Barr selection from the northern Great Plains with nearly spineless pads and flowers beginning bold yellow aging to sunset tones of apricot and pink.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

A Claude Barr introduction many years ago, this diminutive plant from the northern Great Plains grows only to 4-5" to height forming colonies of dense clumps to 18" in diameter over time. With nearly spineless pads and colors beginning warm yellow and aging through colors of the sunset. Fantastic for the rock garden or a small container. Zone 3 Cactaceae