Photo of Opuntia oricola foliage, fruit by Far Out Flora

Photo by Far Out Flora

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Opuntia oricola

Also Known As

  • Chaparral Prickly Pear

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

  • H: 3'-10'
  • W: 3'-8'

planting zones

  • 9b-12

Opuntia oricola plant details

Opuntia oricola is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge followed by red fruit. Attracts bees, birds 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 gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia oricola

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 8 FT - wide, 3 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia oricola

USDA Zones: 9b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Gardening facts about Opuntia oricola plant

How to Grow Opuntia oricola

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun - mostly sun
  • Water Needs

    • occasional - drought tolerant
  • Water Needs

    • dry in winter
  • Soil Needs

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

    • heat tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • green
  • Flower Color

    • yellow
  • Wildlife

    • birds
    • bees
    • hummingbirds
    • deer resistant
    • rabbit resistant
  • Fruit

    • red
  • Flower Season

    • summer
    • spring
  • Foliage Season

    • evergreen
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