Opuntia macrocentra
Purple Prickly Pear
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:
Change spray sprinklers to low-flow bubbler or drip systems.
Shrubs and trees are ideal candidates for this type of irrigation because the water is applied directly to the root zones.