2 Purple Prickly Pear Cactus Opuntia macrocentra Pads

Purple Prickly Pear Cactus Opuntia macrocentra

Purple Prickly Pear cactus is native to the Sonoran desert. The purple prickly pear grows in clumps, usually to about 4 feet tall by 5 feet wide. This cactus appears much like a shrub. The large leaf pads develop a purple tinge in the cool, dry winter months.

The color-changing southwest Santa Rita Prickly Pear is highly sought after. While the showy yellow blooms are greatly desired, the multi-colored pads are the main attraction. The green or glaucus joints and pads turn purple when put through the stress of drought or cooler weather. The plant should only be watered to preserve it in the extreme summer heat. The tough cactus may adapt to even the poorest of soils.

The pads are covered with large, tan spines. Flowers appear in late spring, and are yellow with red centers. The rich purple pads provide plenty of interest. During the summer, the pads are a softer blue-grey color. Bright yellow flowers, to 3 inches in diameter, produce red to purple fruit.

Plant Characteristics 

Purple Prickly Pear is very drought tolerant, needing little to no water once fully established. Plant this cactus in full sun in any well-drained soil. Purple Prickly Pear is susceptible to cochineal scale, which appears as a white, cottony tuft. Spaying the scale off with water can control it. Water young plants twice a month in summer, once a month or less in the winter. Prune diseased or damaged pads in the summer.

You will receive 2 cuttings that are about 3 to 5 inches.