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Opuntia santa-rita

Also Known As

Opuntia violacea var. santa-rita
Opuntia violacea var. santarita

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 4'-6'
W: 6'-10'

planting zones

7a-10b

More Options

Opuntia santa-rita plant details

Opuntia santa-rita is an evergreen cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In spring and summer yellow flowers emerge followed by red 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 santa-rita

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 6 FT - 10 FT - wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, houseplant, rock garden, spiky, tropical-looking, xeric, year round interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia santa-rita

USDA Zones: 7a - 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 wonderfully colored Opuntia hybrid! Bright purple stipules with long black spines dipped in white at the tips. Resembles porcupine spines. New pads grow from the top of the preceding pad, and are covered in rubbery follicles before spines emerge. Brilliant, fragrant yellow flowers in the spring give way to red fruits. This cactus boasts a color display to rival any species.

By: Paradise Found Nursery

Full Sun. Outdoor. Yellow Flowers.

By: Moon - Sun Cactus & Koi Gardens

Striking, round-padded, miniature tree, to 4-6', this variety from Chochise Country in southeastern Arizona, has pads almost completely round, tinted deep pinky purple especially in winter, and few or no central spines. Flowers are dark yellow ringed with copper. Very good, if not classic container specimen or garden plant in full sun with very well-drained soil and occasional summer water where monsoons don't hit. Frost hardy to about 0 °F to –5 °F, USDA zone 7, if dry.