Opuntia basilaris x violacea (Charles B.)
Opuntia basilaris x violacea has large, light blue pads that flush with pink.
This hybrid is a cross of the beavertail cactus (Opuntia basilaris) which often has bluish pads and the violet pricklypear (O. violacea or O. gosseliniana) which flushes with beautiful tones of lavender pink. The result is an intermediate, nearly spineless plant with large, pale bluish pads that flush with lavender pink. Flowers could be yellow or magenta. Our plant has not yet bloomed. Plant in full sun in sharply draining soil. Protect from winter rain on the West Coast. O. basilaris is hardy to zone 4 or 5 and O. violacea to zone 7 or 8. This hybrid will likely be intermediate.
Common Name: Hybrid Cactus
Family: Cactaceae (The Cactus Family)
Zone Hardiness: 6-9
Light: Full Sun
Height: 8-12"
Width: 12-24"
Primary Bloom Colour: Pink
Secondary Bloom Colour: Yellow
Bloom Time: Summer
Foliage Colour: Bluish, Burgundy/Red/Purple
Class: Evergreen
Type: Perennial
Soil Moisture: Dry, Drought Tolerant
Stem Colour:
Fragrance: No
Berries:
Benefits: Bees
Deer Resistant: Yes
BC Native: Yes
Native Habitat: Dry prairies, sandhills, and rocky areas.
Award:
Geographical Origin: Garden Origin
