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Opuntia, Prickly Pear Cactus 'Purple Desert'

Opuntiapolyacantha

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Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Info
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Info
Species
polyacantha (pol-lee-uh-KAN-tha)
Info
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage

Unknown - Tell us

Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing
18-24 in. (45-60 cm)
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 4b: to -31.6 °C (-25 °F)
USDA Zone 5a: to -28.8 °C (-20 °F)
USDA Zone 5b: to -26.1 °C (-15 °F)
USDA Zone 6a: to -23.3 °C (-10 °F)
USDA Zone 6b: to -20.5 °C (-5 °F)
USDA Zone 7a: to -17.7 °C (0 °F)
USDA Zone 7b: to -14.9 °C (5 °F)
USDA Zone 8a: to -12.2 °C (10 °F)
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Medium Purple
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Perennials
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color

Unknown - Tell us

Where to Grow

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Characteristics

Unknown - Tell us

Bloom Size

Unknown - Tell us

Other details

Unknown - Tell us

Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information

Unknown - Tell us

Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; sow indoors before last frost
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
N/A: plant does not set seed, flowers are sterile, or plants will not come true from seed
Regional
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Xenomorf
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | August 2011 | neutral

Good cold hardy cactus down to zone 4 with purple flowers. This plant may be available at Intermountain Cactus.

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