(Photograph = Opuntia atrispina)

Introduction

Opuntias are the most widespread of all cacti. You can find them from Canada to Argentina. The are small, medium, or large (even tree like) and typically have beautiful flowers.

In the Garden

Most people think of the desert when they think of cacti, but Opuntias are often easy to grow and many don’t require a desert climate. Some will grow in grasslands, in the Northeast, and even in the humid South. Wherever you grow them, they need sun, at least half a day if you can provide it.

Opuntias are often grown as garden plants, and they explode into flower each spring. Flowers can be white, pale-yellow, orange, pink, red, or even cerise.

Some Opuntias have beautiful colors when they are drought stressed or in cold weather. The cladodes (pads) may be purple, green-red, or even reddish in cold weather or in drought. Some opuntias are naturally blue-green.