*NOTE: AS A FISH FARM, WE DO NOT OFFER GENDER SPECIFIC SEXING ON FISH STOCK. Requests for male or female animals can only be met if the item’s description says so, like “male beta,” “female guppy,” etc. We’re sorry for any trouble this causes. Cactus – Prickly Pear – Purple Prickly Pear or Opuntia chlorotica var. santarita quantity.
Violet Prickly Pears are native to Southern Arizona and Northern Mexico. The flat pads are a hues of bright purples and blues. In the spring it produces yellow flowers from bluntly pointed blue buds. This Opuntia grows to around 3-4 ft. tall and tolerates temps to 20 degrees F.
Easy to grow from cuttings and will be dipped in rooting hormone at the time of collection. Simply install a pad in the ground, water it in, leave it alone, let it grow. Google for more care info…….
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The purple prickly pear cactus (Opuntia violacea) is a popular and attractive variant of the common prickly pear cactus. With its vibrant purple pads and bright yellow flowers, it adds a pop of color to any xeric garden. If you’re looking to purchase a purple prickly pear, here’s what you need to know.
Overview of the Purple Prickly Pear Cactus
The purple prickly pear is a medium sized cactus, growing up to around 5 feet tall. It has flattened, oval-shaped pads that emerge in a pretty reddish-purple color. The pads are covered in tiny, barbed spines that can give a painful prick if touched. In summer, the cactus produces showy yellow flowers, which are followed by red fruit. The fruit is edible, though it must be handled carefully due to the spines.
Native to northern Mexico and the southwestern United States, the purple prickly pear thrives in hot, dry climates. It can tolerate winter temperatures down to 0°F, making it cold hardy to USDA hardiness zones 7-10. With minimal watering needs and high heat tolerance, it’s an excellent choice for xeriscaping.
Where to Buy a Purple Prickly Pear Online
Purchasing a purple prickly pear cactus online is convenient, and allows you to have it shipped directly to your door. Here are some reputable online retailers that offer the purple prickly pear for sale
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Cactus Store – This cactus nursery based in Arizona offers pad cuttings of Opuntia violacea santa rita in sizes from 4-6”. Cuttings start at $8 each.
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Mountain Crest Gardens – This California based succulent nursery sells 1 gallon potted purple prickly pears for $15,95 each, Larger 3-5 gallon specimens are also available
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APlants – This eBay store sells rooted purple prickly pear pad cuttings for approximately $10-15 each depending on size. Free shipping is available.
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Altman Plants – This wholesale nursery in California offers boxed Opuntia violacea liners in quantities of 100+ to commercial growers and retailers. Contact for pricing.
When ordering online, pay close attention to cold hardiness zones to ensure the plant is suitable for your climate. Only buy from sellers who package plants with care to avoid damage during shipping.
Purchasing at a Local Nursery
Visiting a local nursery allows you to hand select the exact plant you want. Availability of the purple prickly pear will depend on your location and climate. Here are some tips for finding it locally:
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Check with nurseries that specialize in cacti and succulents. The purple prickly pear is more likely to be stocked at specialty stores focused on arid plants.
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Visit nurseries in fall, when a new crop of cacti become available. The purple prickly pear tends to sell out fast when in stock.
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Look for plants in 1-5 gallon pots. Pad cuttings may also be available at some stores. Examine plants closely for good color and overall health.
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Inquire at the nursery counter if you don’t see the purple prickly pear on display. Many keep extra stock in back that hasn’t been put out yet.
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Be willing to special order. Many nurseries can order rare plants by request if they don’t normally stock it.
With its vibrant color and sculptural look, the purple prickly pear makes a stellar addition to rock gardens, succulent gardens, and xeriscapes in warm climates. For the best selection and pricing, purchase online or shop early in the season at specialty nurseries. With the right care, this gorgeous cactus will thrive for decades in your landscape.
Growing Tips for Purple Prickly Pear Cacti
Once you’ve found a supplier and brought home your purple prickly pear, you’ll want to give it proper care to keep it healthy. Here are some key growing tips:
Light
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Needs full sun – at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is best in hot climates.
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Can tolerate partial shade, but may not flower or fruit well.
Soil
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Prefers sandy, alkaline, fast-draining soil. Avoid heavy, moisture-retentive soil.
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Mix in pumice, perlite, or small gravel to improve drainage.
Water
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Allow soil to dry out completely between waterings. Drought tolerant once established.
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Overwatering will cause rot – water only when soil is completely dry.
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Increase water slightly in summer during fruiting period.
Temperature
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Tolerates high heat very well. Provide protection if temps exceed 110°F.
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Hardy to around 0°F. Avoid freeze damage by siting in a sheltered location.
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Can be grown in containers and moved indoors in winter in cold climates.
Fertilizer
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Apply diluted balanced fertilizer monthly during spring and summer. Avoid high nitrogen formulas.
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Discontinue fertilizer in fall to prep for dormancy. Resume in spring after last frost.
Pruning
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Remove damaged, diseased, or dying pads as needed to maintain plant health.
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Limit pruning to avoid compromising its natural shape and form.
With the proper care, your purple prickly pear will reward you with vibrant color, striking form, and delicious fruit for years to come. It’s a standout cactus that’s sure to spark conversation amongst all who view it.
Types of Prickly Pear Cactus
FAQ
Can prickly pear cactus be purple?
What does purple prickly pear taste like?
Are purple cacti rare?
Are purple prickly pear cold hardy?
What is a purple prickly pear cactus?
The Purple Prickly Pear is a compact cactus up to 2 x 3 feet with long, dark spines on its pads and yellow, red-centered flowers in late spring. In cold weather, its pads turn purplish red. It is suitable for hot spots or pots.
What is a Santa Rita prickly pear?
The Santa Rita prickly pear is the classic purple prickly pear from the Sonoran desert. Featuring purple tinged pads with yellow flowers in the spring, this cactus can grow to be 3’x3′ when planted in the ground. Reliably hardy to the mid teens at night. The purple hue intensifies in response to sunlight, drought and temperature changes.
What is a purple cactus?
Active growing season takes place during the summer months. During the winter months, its purple pads provide a striking accent for an otherwise dormant cactus garden. The Opuntia gosseliniana var. Santa Rita is an erect, bushy succulent shrub with a distinct, short trunk. Pads take on an attractive reddish to violet-purple color.
How to care for a purple prickly pear cactus?
The Purple Prickly Pear is a compact cactus, growing up to 2 x 3 feet. It features long, dark spines on its pads and yellow, red-centered flowers in late spring. The pads turn purplish red in cold weather. This cactus is suitable for hot spots or pots. Handle with care! Water every 2 weeks; withhold water from November through February.
Where are prickly pear cacti found?
Prickly pear cacti are found in all of the deserts in Southwest North America. They require course, well-drained soil in dry, rocky flats or slopes. Prickly pear cacti are found in various elevation ranges, and different species have adapted to these different conditions.
What does Opuntia Santa Rita prickly pear look like?
Opuntia santa-rita produces vibrant yellow flowers, often with reddish centers. The flowers appear in late spring to early summer and are followed by the development of pear-shaped fruits. The fruits of the Santa Rita Prickly Pear, commonly known as tunas, are edible.