Opuntia santa-rita Tubac™ (Santa Rita Prickly Pear)

Grown for its intriguing color, Opuntia santa-rita Tubac™ (Santa Rita Prickly Pear) is an upright, shrubby succulent with large round fleshy pads. Covered with spines, the pads turn rich purple in winter before changing back to soft blue-gray with warmer temperatures. This purple pad coloration also intensifies in direct sunlight and drought. Sitting on the outer edges of the pads, large multi-petalled, yellow flowers appear in spring, creating a stunning contrast with the purple pads. They are followed by purple fleshy fruits that are highly attractive to birds. Frost-hardy, Santa Rita Prickly Pear is a very decorative cactus that adds beauty to the garden year-round.

• Typically grows up to 4 ft. tall (120 cm) and 6 ft. wide (180 cm).
• Performs best in full sun or light shade, in well-drained soils. This plant tolerates a wide variety of soils as long as they are well-draining. During the first growing season, water twice per month in summer, and once per month in winter. Drought tolerant once established.
• This low-maintenance plant is a great choice for xeriscape gardens, rock gardens, Mediterranean gardens, and cactus gardens.
• This remarkable plant is deer resistant, tolerates urban pollution, and is easy to care for.
• Generally disease-free. Watch for cochineal scale or mealy bugs.
• Propagate from woody stem cuttings.
• Opuntia santa-rita is native to Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.