Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear
Opuntia violacea var. santa-rita
Description | Large, beautiful yellow flowers rest on the outer edges of spine-covered, fleshy succulent pads. In winter the pads turn to a rich purple color and return to a soft blue-gray with warmer weather. An excellent choice for year-round beauty in arid xeric landscapes or containers. Evergreen. |
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Light | Full sun |
Watering | Let soil dry completely between waterings. |
Blooms | Late Spring to Early Summer |
Mature Size | Slow to moderate growing; forms clumps 4 ft. tall, 6 ft. wide. |
Deciduous/Evergreen | Evergreen |
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Special Features | Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise, Non-toxic to Cats and Dogs |
Growth Rate | Slow |
Growth Habit | Columnar |
Flower Attributes | Showy Flowers |
Landscape Use | Barrier, Container, Houseplant |
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Flower Color | Yellow |
Foliage Color | Green |
Companion Plants | Agave (Agave); Hens & Chicks (Echeveria); Sedum (Sedum); Red Yucca (Hesperaloe); Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe) |
Care | 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. |
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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. |
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This Plant's Growing Zones: ALL

Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone: 6
Grow Indoors in All Zones
Buy Online
This plant is not available to purchase online.
Check a local Monrovia retailer.
Buy Locally
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.
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Lowe's 3458 Zafarano Road
Santa Fe, NM 87507 -
Agua Fria Nursery 2911 Agua Fria St.
Santa Fe, NM 87505 -
Agua Fria Nursery 1409 Agua Fria St.
Santa Fe, NM 87505
About Us
Monrovia grows beautiful plants for every region
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly
100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr.
in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for nearly 100 years. Since our founding in Southern California by Harry E. Rosedale, Sr. in 1926, we have been absolutely dedicated and obsessed with quality.