Opuntia (Cactus pear / Prickly pear)

Opuntia

Cactus pear

A strenuously growing Cactus pear suitable for medium to large size gardens.

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Additional Information

Information
Details
Botanical Name
Opuntia
Common Name
Cactus pear
Also Known As
Prickly pear
SA Tree No​
Tree Type
Evergreen
Attracts
Birds, Bees
Features
Fodder Tree, Rocky Area
Flowering Season
Spring, Summer
Focal
No
Fragrant
No
Frost Tolerance
Hardy
Fruiting Season
Summer
Growth Rate
Fast >500mm
Minimal Leaf Shedding
No
Origin
Exotic
Soil pH
Root System
Aggressive
Soil Type
Sandy, Loam, Well Drained
Suitable Garden Size
Medium, Large
Suitable Planting Area
Full Sun

Fruit, Citrus & Nut Trees Pricing

Bag Size
Price Range Incl. VAT
4L / 5L
NA
7L / 10L
R40-R400
20L
R300-R500
50L
R600-R800
100L / 200L
R900-R2000

Description

Prickly pear cactus plants aren’t suitable for all gardens due to their detachable spines.  An excellent garden specimen that can be grown into a security hedge or shrub or be used for indoor or container planting.

A low-growing plant with yellow, red and purple flowers that blossom in Spring and Summer.  Very easy to grow and flourishes in sandy, well-drained soil.

  • Tolerates temperatures as low as -10°C
  • Estimated height: 5-7m
  • Estimated width: 45cm
  • Planting distance: 1m
  • Drought-resistant
  • Normal disease susceptibility

Pollen compatibility: Self-pollinating.

Water requirements: Water once per month in general, but twice per month in Summer.

Fun facts: The red fruit of this plant is also known as “tuna” and can survive freezing temperatures because its cells contain antifreeze chemicals.

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