Baby Rita Prickly Pear
Opuntia x basilaris 'Baby Rita'
Full sun
Let soil dry completely between waterings.
THIS PLANT MAY BE AVAILABLE IN THESE STORES:
Due to the seasonal nature of plants, availability at your local garden center is not guaranteed. Give them a call before visiting.
- 101 Market
8980 Quantrelle Ave. N.e. Otsego MN 55330
- 14th Street Garden Center
793 Jersey Ave. Jersey City NJ 07303
- 3rd Avenue Floral & Greenhouse
1110 3rd Ave. West Dickinson ND 58601
- 4 Ever Green Ldsp. & Dgn
21457 214th Circle Ave Milford IA 51351
| Botanical Pronunciation | op-UN-shee-a |
|---|---|
| Lore | Prickly pear cactus has been a staple of the Mexican and Central American diet for thousands of years. In parts of the U.S. it has been gaining popularity as an exotic, gourmet and healthy addition to one's diet. The prickly pear plant has three different edible sections: the pad of the cactus (nopal), which can be treated like a vegetable, the petals of the flowers, which can be added to salads, and the pear (tuna), which can be treated like a fruit. |
| Average Size at Maturity | Slow growing; forms clumps 8 in. tall, 24 in. wide. |
| Bloom Time | Spring |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Flower Attribute | Showy Flowers |
| Flower Color | Pink |
| Garden Style | Contemporary, Mediterranean, Rustic |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Landscape Use | Barrier, Container, Houseplant |
| Light Needs | Full sun |
| Special Feature | Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise, Compact Form |
| Water Needs | Low |
| Watering Needs | Let soil dry completely between waterings. |
| Companion Plants | Agave (Agave); Sedum (Sedum); Rock Rose (Cistus); Aloe (Aloe); Hens & Chicks (Sempervivum); Red Yucca (Hesperaloe) |
Grows easily in average to lean, rocky, unimproved, fast-draining soils with low moisture. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish root system, allowing soil to become fairly dry between intervals. Once established, reduce frequency; tolerates drought. Avoid excess winter moisture. Fertilize sparingly in spring.
This Plant's Growing Zones: ALL
Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone:
Grow Indoors in All Zones