Purple Prickly Pear Cactus
Opuntia santa-rita
A striking desert gem with vibrant purple pads and golden spring blooms.
- Plant Type
- Succulents
- Width
- 4-5 Ft.
- Height
- 3-4 Ft.
- USDA hardiness zone
- 7 - 11
- Sun requirements
- Full Sun, Part Shade
- Design image count
- 6
Design images (6)
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Create design onlineAbout Purple Prickly Pear Cactus
Opuntia santa-rita is an upright, bushy succulent shrub known for its colorful, round pads that transition from soft blue-gray to a rich purple during winter or periods of stress. Reaching up to 8 feet tall and wide, this hardy cactus thrives in full sun and well-drained, rocky soils. It produces large, multi-petalled yellow flowers in spring, followed by edible purple fruits. Ideal for xeriscaping or rock gardens, it is drought-tolerant, deer-resistant, and adds year-round visual interest.