Opuntia Species, Prickly Pear Cactus

Opuntiapycnantha

Family
Cactaceae (kak-TAY-see-ee)
Genus
Opuntia (op-UN-shee-a)
Species
pycnantha (pik-NAN-tha)
Synonym
Opuntia margaritana
Sun Exposure
Full Sun
Sun to Partial Shade
Foliage
Deciduous
Height
under 6 in. (15 cm)
6-12 in. (15-30 cm)
Spacing
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
36-48 in. (90-120 cm)
Hardiness
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)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Danger
Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color
Red-Orange
Bright Yellow
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
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
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:

Phoenix, Arizona

Scottsdale, Arizona

Reseda, California

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Gardener's Notes:

2
positives
1
neutral
0
negative
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D
D
(Zone 7b) | January 2008 | positive

Easy to grow Opuntia but seems to have very little resistance to frost - mine developed a rot in the base pad after a series of frosty ni...Read More

P
Acton, CA (Zone 8b) | March 2006 | positive

One of the more symmetrical growing Opuntias, often seen in shows spreading in all directions in tiny pots. Intensely spiny species.
...Read More

X
Phoenix, AZ (Zone 9b) | January 2005 | neutral

Low growing and sprawling. Flowers are yellow with a red tinge.

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