Photo of Opuntia fragilis 'Red Hill' foliage by plant lust

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Opuntia fragilis 'Red Hill'

Also Known As

  • Red Hill Fragile Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 18"
  • W: 18"

planting zones

  • 6a-9b

More Options

Opuntia fragilis 'Red Hill' plant details

Opuntia fragilis 'Red Hill' is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average, gritty, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia fragilis 'Red Hill'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 18 IN wide, 18 IN tall
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia fragilis 'Red Hill'

USDA Zones: 6a - 9b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, 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. 'Red Hill' has large, fat pads with long white spines.

Gardening facts about Opuntia fragilis 'Red Hill' plant

How to Grow Opuntia fragilis 'Red Hill'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

    • average
    • well-drained
    • rocky
    • gritty
  • Special Situation

    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
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