Audrey, Eve and George DeLange
Family
Cactaceae
Botanical Name
Opuntia santa-rita
Plant Common Name
Santa Rita Pricklypear
General Description
Beautiful purple and burgundy tinged blue-green, paddle-shaped stem segments and vivid canary yellow flowers make this among the most colorful pricklypear species. It is native to southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. The spiny pancake sized stem segments are highly variable, growing more purple in direct sun, but may lose color entirely in too much shade. This large pricklypear eventually forms an upright, head-high, tree-like shrub with a short trunk.
In spring the uppermost pads put forth large multipetaled blossoms of golden yellow that draw a wide variety of pollinators. The flowers stand in striking contrast to the darker-colored paddles. The edible purple fruits that follow are too small to be used in the kitchen, but are highly attractive to birds.
This elegant cactus requires hot sun and sharply drained soil. It is ideal for creating a focal point in succulent pots or gardens and is particularly lovely under night lighting. Plant it as a fine single specimen in sparse modern gardens or alongside homes with Spanish architecture. As with all cacti, beware planting it close to high traffic areas or where children play. It has wickedly barbed microscopic spines, called glochids, that painfully stick in the skin and are hard to remove.
This cactus is vulnerable to cochineal, the white scale insect that afflicts succulents. Infestations tend to occur in very hot low desert climates or when the plants are stressed by extreme, long lasting drought. Washing paddles often and keeping plants well hydrated is the best way to discourage the pests.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 10
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Sunset Zone
8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun
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Height
2'-5' / 0.6m - 1.5m
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Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Spring
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Native To
Southwestern United States, Mexico
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Yellow
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Fruit Color
Purple
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Purple, Blue Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Purple, Blue Green, Gray Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Purple, Blue Green, Gray Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Purple, Blue Green, Gray Green, Burgundy
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Bark Color
Gray
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Feature Plant, Foundation, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall, Wildflower
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Sharp or Has Thorns
Yes
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Birds
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Self-Sowing
No
