Opuntia fragilis 'Neon Gold'

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. From our friends at Cistus Nursery comes 'Neon Gold' a likely hybrid involving O. fragilis from southern Utah with golden spines and pads that emerge bright salmon to coral in spring and golden yellow flowers developing a hint of salmon as they age.

A Cistus introduction. Our southern Utah collection of this probable hybrid prickly pear,. Golden spines, and clumping 4 to 6" in height by 2' across in a couple of years. The most striking feature ,brightly salmon to coral colored pads as they emerge in the spring. Excellent container plant, or rock garden subject, for bright light, well drained soil. USDA zone 4 at least.