Opuntia basilaris 'Peachy'

Also Known As

Peachy Beavertail Cactus

Plant type

cactus / succulent, groundcover

size

H: 12"-18"
W: 36"-48"

planting zones

4a-10b

More Options

Opuntia basilaris 'Peachy' plant details

Opuntia basilaris 'Peachy' is an evergreen groundcover cactus / succulent with blue and pink foliage. In spring and summer apricot flowers emerge. 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 'Peachy'

Plant type: groundcover cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen blue and pink
Mature size: 36 IN - 48 IN - wide, 12 IN - 18 IN - tall
Flowers: apricot blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, winter interest, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Opuntia basilaris 'Peachy'

USDA Zones: 4a - 10b
Sun exposure: sun - mostly sun
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer, heat and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean, rocky and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) is a common and widespread prickly pear across the US deserts with beautiful powder blue pads that develop pink, purple and burgundy tints and pink to magenta flowers. 'Peachy' is a special form with glowing deep pink flowers with a peachy glow. Plant in full sun in sharply draining soil. Protect from winter rain on the West Coast.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

This beavertail cactus, a native from the Mohave desert of California into northern Sonora, was given to us from an old Albuquerque garden and has been one of the best performers. Attractive clumps, from 3-4 ft wide and 18” in height, with 6” pads of powdery blue-tinted-pink, burgundy in winter, and, indeed, peachy pink flowers in spring and early summer. Though a clone more tolerant of garden water, they still prefer well-drained, gritty soil, especially where winters are wet …and an occasional thunderstorm, artificial or not, in dry summer climates. Frost hardy to -30F, USDA zone 4.