Opuntia macrocentra

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Purple Prickly Pear

 
Plant photo of: Opuntia macrocentra
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Information by: GardenSoft        Photographer: GardenSoft

 

Description

Purple Prickly Pear is a cactus that has thick, fleshy, lavender violet colored pads instead of leaves. Watch out for spines. Red and yellow flowers bloom in spring and summer, followed by reddish purple fruit. This plant reaches 3' tall and wide. This p

 

  • Anatomy

  • Sun/Water

  • Design

Plant Type

Cactus

 

Height Range

1-3', 3-6'

 

Flower Color

Red, Yellow

 

Flower Season

Spring

 

Leaf Color

Purple

 

Bark Color

n/a

 

Fruit Color

n/a

 

Fruit Season

n/a

Sun

Full

 

Water

Very Low

 

Growth Rate

Slow

 

Soil Type

Sandy

 

Soil Condition

Poor

 

Soil pH

Basic

 

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Ranch, Spanish

 

Accenting Features

Showy Flowers, Unusual Foliage

 

Seasonal Interest

Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

 

Location Uses

Shrub Border, Foundation, With Rocks

 

Special Uses

Container

 

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Apply a layer of mulch around plants to reduce moisture loss.

Choose organic mulches, such as shredded bark, compost or aged sawdust.