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Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei

Also Known As

Trelease's Beavertail Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 18"-24"
W: 18"-24"

planting zones

6a-10b

Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei plant details

Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue foliage. In spring pink flowers emerge followed by purple fruit. Features glaucous texture. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with sun - mostly sun and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Prefers to be dry in winter. Does well in average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue
Mature size: 18 IN - 24 IN - wide, 18 IN - 24 IN - tall
Flowers: pink blooms in spring
Uses: clumping, container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia basilaris var. treleasei

USDA Zones: 6a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

A most attractive beavertail prickly pear, once having inhabited vast areas of California's southern San Joaquin Valley and now reduced to but a few populations. Forms individual clumps to 18" or 2 ft, with light blue pads adorned with small, golden spines and glochids, and, in spring, light, almost orchid-like, pink flowers. Sun, lean soil and well-drained soil, and little summer water. Able to take winter dampness along as the drainage is excellent. Frost hardy to at least USDA zone 6.