Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntiascheeri

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Synonym
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Pale Yellow
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
Bloom Size
Other details
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
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
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
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Anniston, Alabama

Emerald Lake Hills, California

San Leandro, California

Woodside, California

Las Cruces, New Mexico

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Gardener's Notes:

3
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
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N
Anniston, AL | August 2011 | positive

as a grower of opuntias, this species is unique in form and is much hardier than given credit. i would rank the plant as z8a as long as ...Read More

I
I
Redwood City, CA | February 2011 | positive

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area and this catus tolerates moderate frosts and winter rain really well, with no sign of scarring or ro...Read More

A
A
| August 2009 | positive

Opuntia scheeri is far more hardier than stated, if overwintered free from any rain or snow. It has survived to 10°F but suffered from r...Read More

X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | January 2005 | neutral

Flowers start out as pale yellow and then turn a salmon color.

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