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Cylindropuntia spinosior [highest elevation form]

Also Known As

Opuntia spinosior [highest elevation form]
Cane Cholla

Plant type

cactus / succulent

size

H: 3'-4'
W: 3'-5'

planting zones

5a-11

Cylindropuntia spinosior [highest elevation form] plant details

Cylindropuntia spinosior [highest elevation form] is an evergreen cactus / succulent with green foliage. In spring and summer red flowers emerge followed by green and yellow fruit. Attracts hummingbirds. 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 Cylindropuntia spinosior [highest elevation form]

Plant type: cactus / succulent
Plant family: cactaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 3 FT - 5 FT - wide, 3 FT - 4 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in spring and summer
Uses: container plant, desert garden, rock garden, spiky, winter interest, xeric

GROWING CONDITIONS for Cylindropuntia spinosior [highest elevation form]

USDA Zones: 5a - 11
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

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Pinaleño Mountains. This classic and most attractive cholla, from elevations over 8100' in southeastern Arizona, has tightly held, silvery spines tinted pink on rounded branches and cherry red flowers in late spring on “shrubs” to about 4' -- the entire plant a luscious purple in the colder months of winter with the branchlets hanging downward. A beautiful contrast to the greeny yellow fruit. Full sun, good drainage, and, where dry, occasional summer water to boost growth. Frost hardy in zone 5, possibly a bit lower.