Opuntia basilaris ssp. whitneyana [SBH 7775d]

Also Known As

Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 3'
W: 3'

planting zones

4a-10b

Opuntia basilaris ssp. whitneyana [SBH 7775d] plant details

Opuntia basilaris ssp. whitneyana [SBH 7775d] is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. Features glaucous texture. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. 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.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia basilaris ssp. whitneyana [SBH 7775d]

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

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia basilaris ssp. whitneyana [SBH 7775d]

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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Plants from these colonies close to 8700 ft elevation near Mt. Whitney in the eastern Sierra Nevada received some of my first collection numbers during a hike just after high school. This more recent collection from the same area forms a rather dense clump of blue-green, rounded pads, to about 4", with neatly spaced, orange glochids and abundant purple-pink flowers in late spring. Has been easy in cultivation though seems to like a well-drained mix whether in the garden or in container, the granite scree in which it grows naturally being a good indicator. Frost hardy to -30F, USDA zone 4, or lower.