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Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear
Opuntia violacea var. santa-rita
Pronunciation: op-UN-shee-a vy-oh-LAH-see-uh
SKU #02546
LIGHT:
Full sun
WATER:
Let soil dry completely between waterings.
SIZE:
Slow to moderate growing; forms clumps 4 ft. tall, 6 ft. wide.
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| 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. |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Special Features | Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise, Non-toxic to Cats and Dogs |
| Problems/Solutions | Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Rabbit Resistant, Tolerates Urban Pollution |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Growth Habit | Columnar |
| Flower Attributes | Showy Flowers |
| Landscape Use | Barrier, Container, Houseplant |
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Companion Plants | Agave (Agave); Hens & Chicks (Echeveria); Sedum (Sedum); Red Yucca (Hesperaloe); Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe) |
| Care Instructions | 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. |
| 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. |
Details
| 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. |
|---|---|
| Bloom Time | Late spring to early summer |
| Deciduous/Evergreen | Evergreen |
| Special Features | Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise, Non-toxic to Cats and Dogs |
| Problems/Solutions | Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Rabbit Resistant, Tolerates Urban Pollution |
| Growth Rate | Slow |
| Growth Habit | Columnar |
| Flower Attributes | Showy Flowers |
Style
| Landscape Use | Barrier, Container, Houseplant |
|---|---|
| Flower Color | Yellow |
| Foliage Color | Green |
| Companion Plants | Agave (Agave); Hens & Chicks (Echeveria); Sedum (Sedum); Red Yucca (Hesperaloe); Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe) |
Care
| Care Instructions | 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. |
|---|
History
| 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. |
|---|
Frequently asked questions
Does Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear produce flowers?
Late spring to early summer
Is Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear evergreen or deciduous?
Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear is Evergreen.
What are the special features of Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear?
Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear is Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Waterwise, Non-toxic to Cats and Dogs.
Is Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear resistant to pests or animals?
Deer Resistant, Erosion Control, Rabbit Resistant, Tolerates Urban Pollution
How fast does Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear grow?
Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear has a Slow growth rate.
What is the growth habit of Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear?
Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear grows in an Columnar habit.
Where can I use Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear in my landscape?
Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear is suitable for: Barrier, Container, Houseplant.
What color are Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear flowers?
Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear produces Yellow flowers.
What color is the foliage of Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear?
Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear has Green foliage.
What plants grow well with Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear?
Good companion plants for Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear include: Agave (Agave); Hens & Chicks (Echeveria); Sedum (Sedum); Red Yucca (Hesperaloe); Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe).
How do I care for Santa-Rita Tubac™ Prickly Pear?
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.
Retailers Near You
No Retailers found within 100 miles of your zipcode
About Us
We have been pioneers and craftsmen in the art of growing plants for 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.