Photo of Opuntia fragilis th.073.11 [Monticello, UT] by plant lust

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Opuntia fragilis th.073.11 [Monticello, UT]

Also Known As

  • Brittle Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 3'
  • W: 3'

planting zones

  • 4a-10b

More Options

Opuntia fragilis th.073.11 [Monticello, UT] plant details

Opuntia fragilis th.073.11 [Monticello, UT] is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue, green and purple foliage. In spring flowers emerge. Features fuzzy and 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 heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia fragilis th.073.11 [Monticello, UT]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue, green and purple
Mature size: 3 FT wide, 3 FT tall
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia fragilis th.073.11 [Monticello, UT]

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

From plantsman Tim Hanis, this cutie with 1", purple-blushed pads becoming even more purple in winter, making a nice contrast with the orange and white spines. Stands out from quite a distance in the garden or container. Another easy to grow cactus needing only sun and moderately well-drained soil. Frost hardy to -30F, USDA zone 4. Very good in container or garden.

Gardening facts about Opuntia fragilis th.073.11 [Monticello, UT] plant

How to Grow Opuntia fragilis th.073.11 [Monticello, UT]

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

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

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
    • blue
    • purple
  • Flower Season

    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
  • Texture

    • glaucous
    • fuzzy

See other plant types of Opuntia for your garden

aka Opuntia cycloides, Prickly Pear Cactus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 4'-6'

Width: 6'-10'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Opuntia cyclodes form by plant lust
View Plant

More Options

aka Prickly Pear

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7a-11

Size

Height: 1'-3'

Width: 3'-8'

  • sun - bright shade
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Opuntia phaeacantha flower, form by Panayoti Kelaidis
View Plant

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aka Opuntia potsii var. montana, Opuntia pottsii, Opuntia pottsii var. montana, Prickly Pear Cactus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

4a-10b

Size

Height: 4"-15"

Width: 20"-30"

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Opuntia macrorhiza ssp. pottsii by plant lust
View Plant

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aka Opuntia subarmata, Prickly Pear Cactus

Plant Type

Cactus / Succulent

Zones

7a-10b

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 5'-8'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • occasional - drought tolerant
  • dry in winter
Photo of Opuntia engelmannii var. lindheimeri flower, foliage by Patricia Cunningham
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More Options

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
Photo of Opuntia basilaris flower, form by Stan Shebs
View Plant

More Options

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