red-flower prickly pear
Opuntia elatior
USDA zones9 to 11
SunNeeds full sun (6+ hours)
WaterNeeds dry soil
Size3 to 8 feet tall3 to 8 feet wide
- Bloom season
- Spring, summer, autumn, winter
- Soil types
- Sand, loam
- Soil pH
- Acid, alkaline, neutral
Garden uses
Attracts
Notes
Red-flower prickly pear (Opuntia elatior) is a succulent for borders, hedges, and low maintenance gardens. 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 sun and dry, sandy or loamy soil. It tolerates drought and attracts birds. It sits low on the menu for deer and rabbits. You can plant it where you want a tall, wide barrier.
Pairs well with Aeonium, Torch aloe, Green desert spoon, and Delmara orange ice plant.