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Opuntia macrocentra

Purple Prickly Pear

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

 

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 plant is very heat tolerant and becomes drought tolerant once it's established.

 

Plant Type

Succulent, Cactus

Height Range

1-3'

Width Range

1-3'

Flower Color

Red, Yellow

Flower Season

Spring, Summer

Leaf Color

Purple

Bark Color

n/a

Fruit Color

Purple, Red

Fruit Season

Fall

Sun

Full

Water

Very Low

Growth Rate

Slow

Soil Type

Sandy, Rocky

Soil Condition

Well-drained, Dry

Soil pH

Neutral

Adverse Factors

Thorns/Spines

Design Styles

Mediterranean, Ranch, Spanish

Accenting Features

Unusual Foliage

Seasonal Interest

Spring, Summer

Location Uses

Perennial Border, With Rocks

Special Uses

Container, Filler, Mass Planting, Small Spaces

Attracts Wildlife

n/a

Water Saving Tip:

Replace turf with groundcovers, trees, and shrubs.

If you have areas where no one uses the grass, patches that do not grow well, or a turf area too small to water without runoff, consider replacing the turf with water-efficient landscaping.