Opuntia macrocentra

+ Add

Opuntia macrocentra

Purple Prickly Pear

Previous Photo Next Photo

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

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.