Opuntia x columbiana

Also Known As

Opuntia erinacea var. columbiana

Plant type

cactus / succulent, groundcover

size

H: 6"-8"
W: 24"-36"

planting zones

5a-10b

Opuntia x columbiana plant details

Opuntia x columbiana is an evergreen groundcover cactus / succulent with blue and green foliage. In spring yellow flowers emerge. Attracts bees and hummingbirds making it an excellent addition to pollinator gardens. Grows well with 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, verticillium wilt resistant and wind tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Opuntia x columbiana

Plant type: groundcover cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and green
Mature size: 24 IN - 36 IN - wide, 6 IN - 8 IN - tall
Flowers: yellow blooms in spring
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia x columbiana

USDA Zones: 5a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, verticillium wilt and wind
Soil needs: gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Lovely prickly-pear from remote Hills Canyon of northeast Oregon, growing with several other Opuntias. Certainly of mixed blood, with white and golden spines on clumps, this clone growing 6-8” tall and 3 ft wide. Adorned in May with golden yellwow flowers. Full sun, sharp drainage, and occasional summer thunderstorms. USDA zone 5.