Opuntia fragilis var. denudata 'Bronze Beauty'

Also Known As

Bronze Beauty Marble Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 3"-6"
W: 12"-15"

planting zones

4a-10b

More Options

Opuntia fragilis var. denudata 'Bronze Beauty' plant details

Opuntia fragilis var. denudata 'Bronze Beauty' is an evergreen cactus / succulent with bronze foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge followed by orange fruit. Grows well with sun - bright shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia fragilis var. denudata 'Bronze Beauty'

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen bronze
Mature size: 12 IN - 15 IN - wide, 3 IN - 6 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia fragilis var. denudata 'Bronze Beauty'

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - bright shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, 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. O. fragilis var. denudata 'Bronze Beauty' is a nearly thornless form with rounded pads with orange glochids. The pads turn reddish bronze in bright light or with stress. The flowers are pale yellow developing peach tones.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

This little beauty has small, rounded pads, to only 5" tall, that are dark green, turning reddish-bronze in bright light and cool weather. Forms handsome and colorful clumps to 15" wide with obvious orange glochids but no spines. In late spring to early summer, large, pale yellow flowers appear, turning peachy for their second day. Best in full to light shade and lean, well-drained soil. Drought tolerant but occasional summer water improves appearance. Frost hardy to -30F, USDA zone 4. Also known as A. fragilis 'Bronze Beauty.