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Synonym:Opuntia violacea var. macrocentra Synonym:Opuntia violacea var. castetteri
Category: Cactus and Succulents
Height: 24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing: 36-48 in. (90-120 cm) 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness: USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F) 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) USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Danger: Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color: Red Bright Yellow
Bloom Time: Late Spring/Early Summer
Foliage: Succulent
Other details: Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
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
On Jun 20, 2007, Chantell from Middle of, VA (Zone 7a) wrote:
Planted a pad of this last year - hoping, with a lot of grit, that it might survive our winters in 7A. Not only did it survive...but blessed me with gorgeous bloom!! We did have a mild winter...so time will tell.
On May 15, 2005, angele from Elephant Butte, NM (Zone 7b) wrote:
One of the more common Opuntia in my area. Some zone maps classify this part of New Mexico as zone 7b while others as 8a. This cactus is very beautiful in my opinion.
On Jun 20, 2004, Xenomorf from Valley of the Sun, AZ (Zone 9b) wrote:
Also known as "Texas Santa-Rita", "Long-Spined Prickly Pear", "Blunt-Spined Prickly Pear", & "Reddish Purple Prickly Pear"
Flowers are yellow with bright red centers.
The variety 'macrocentra' pads are 6-8 inches long and the 'minor' variety's pads are 4-6 inches long.
The 'macrocentra' variety is dull dark green with some purple, and the 'minor' variety is Blueish-green.
The 'macrocentra's fruit is dark purple-red, and the 'minor's fruit are bright pink-red.
On Mar 28, 2004, palmbob from Tarzana, CA (Zone 9b) wrote:
Attractive species with pale greenish purple pads (nearly white sometimes) to an incredible turquoise coloration... and sparse, but long black spines. Forms a large spread-out shrub eventually. Probably one of the more colorful and beautiful Opuntia species (to me).
Regional...
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Phoenix, Arizona Tucson, Arizona Canoga Park, California San Marino, California Elephant Butte, New Mexico La Luz, New Mexico Las Cruces, New Mexico Austin, Texas Kermit, Texas Stafford, Virginia
