Opuntia Species, Variegated Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntiacochenillifera f. variegata

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Synonym
Opuntia cochenillifera var. variegata
Nopalea cochenillifera f. variegata
Nopalea cochenillifera var. variegata
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
8-10 ft. (2.4-3 m)
Spacing
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
6-8 ft. (1.8-2.4 m)
Hardiness
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Bloom Color
Rose/Mauve
Magenta (pink-purple)
Bloom Time
Mid Spring
Late Spring/Early Summer
Other Details
Category
Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements
Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Average Water Needs; Water regularly; do not overwater
Foliage Color
Where to Grow
Bloom Characteristics
This plant is attractive to bees, butterflies and/or birds
Bloom Size
Other details
Soil pH requirements
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
7.6 to 7.8 (mildly alkaline)
Patent Information
Non-patented
Propagation Methods
From woody stem cuttings
From softwood cuttings
Allow cut surface to callous over before planting
From seed; direct sow after last frost
Seed Collecting
Allow unblemished fruit to ripen; clean and dry seeds
Unblemished fruit must be significantly overripe before harvesting seed; clean and dry seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional

This plant is said to grow outdoors in the following regions:

Mesa, Arizona

Phoenix, Arizona

El Cerrito, California

Fort Myers, Florida

Miami, Florida

Pensacola, Florida

Dallas, Texas

Dripping Springs, Texas

Houston, Texas

Richmond, Texas

Spring Branch, Texas

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Gardener's Notes:

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positive
0
neutral
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negative
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