bunny ears cactus
Opuntia microdasys
RHS AGM 2012
USDA zones9 to 12
SunHandles full sun to partial sun
WaterHandles dry to moderate soil
Size2 to 3 feet tall4 to 6 feet wide
- Growth rate
- Slow
- Habit
- Creeping
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Bloom color
- Yellow
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Bunny ears cactus (Opuntia microdasys) is a succulent for containers, rock gardens, accents, and xeriscapes. It grows outdoors year-round in USDA zone 9 and warmer, down to about 20°F (-7°C). In colder areas, grow it as a houseplant or bring it indoors for winter. This plant likes full or part sun and dry to average, sandy or loamy soil. Deer and rabbits rarely make it their first choice. It bears yellow flowers and spreads slowly into a wide, creeping clump.
Pairs well with Olive, Pomegranate, and Prairie dropseed.
Native range
South America.