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Opuntia engelmannii var. cyclodes - Prickly Pear

Opuntia engelmannii var. cyclodes
Engelmann's Prickly Pear

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More information

Hardy up to -20 °C at least without protection, particularly resistant to snow, heat and drought. This prickly pear with large spiky pads is adorned with pretty yellow flowers and then edible purple fruits. Despite its very exotic appearance, this 'cactus' can be grown in the ground almost anywhere!
Flower size
5 cm
Height at maturity
90 cm
Spread at maturity
1.50 m
Exposure
Sun
Hardiness
Hardy down to -15°C
Soil moisture
Dry soil
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Best planting time March, September to October
Recommended planting time February to April, August to September
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Flowering time May to July
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Description

The Opuntia cyclodes (formerly Opuntia engelmannii var. cyclodes) is a variety of prickly pear cactus whose robust appearance is in line with its exceptional resistance to cold and snow. This plant forms a bush with a tentacle-like appearance, wider than it is tall, composed of thick and rounded "paddles" armed with long sharp yellow prickles. In late spring, they are adorned with beautiful yellow flowers, which produce edible but not very tasty round and violet fruits. Hardy prickly pears are cultivated outdoors, in open ground and away from high traffic areas, allowing them to freely express their spirit, that of the desert landscapes of North America.

 

The Opuntia cyclodes, a close relative of the Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica), is a succulent plant devoid of true leaves from the cactus family. This botanical species is native to the arid regions of New Mexico and northern Texas. An adult specimen will reach about 90 cm (35in) in height and spread laterally for at least 1.50 m (5ft). Its growth is quite fast producing 1 or 2 new paddles per year from spring to autumn. The vegetation is composed of paddles or cladodes that are stacked on top of each other, they are flat, fleshy, thick, rounded in shape, and measure up to 20 cm (8in) long. The plant tolerates wind and the weight of snow well. The green surface of the paddles is adorned with large bright yellow prickles, which turn straw-colored over time, as well as tiny but formidable prickles called glochides, gathered in small round tufts, very dangerous when handled. Flowering occurs in June-July, earlier or later depending on the region. Several flowers appear on the periphery of the paddles, shaped like rounded cups, they are composed of petals with a fine and slightly translucent texture, lemon yellow color. They give way to small globose fruits measuring 2.5 to 3 cm (1in) in diameter, heavily covered in glochides, and ripening to a violet-purple color. While they are edible, they are less tasty than those of the Prickly Pear.

  

Cultivable in almost all regions, this amazing cactus is hardy down to -25°C without protection, but in perfectly well-drained, rocky, stony, or sandy soil. It naturally structures exotic or contemporary landscapes, in a large rock garden, on an arid slope, or at the edges of a dry garden. It can also be used to reinforce a defensive hedge. It will find its place among hardy agaves, Nolinas, and tree-like Euphorbias. Pair it with relatively hardy candle cacti, Cleistocactus strausii or Cylindropuntia imbricata. It should be kept away from high traffic areas and children due to its formidable spines.

 

Opuntia engelmannii var. cyclodes - Prickly Pear in pictures

Opuntia engelmannii var. cyclodes - Prickly Pear (Flowering) Flowering

Flowering

Flower colour yellow
Flowering time May to July
Inflorescence Solitary
Flower size 5 cm

Foliage

Foliage persistence Evergreen
Foliage colour green

Plant habit

Height at maturity 90 cm
Spread at maturity 1.50 m
Growth rate fast

Botanical data

Genus

Opuntia

Species

engelmannii var. cyclodes

Family

Cactaceae

Other common names

Engelmann's Prickly Pear

Origin

North America

Product reference150801

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Planting and care

Install Opuntia cyclodes in spring or early autumn, in full sun or even in partial shade in hot and dry climates, in a preferably poor, even rocky, chalky, sandy, but very well drained soils. It tolerates winter humidity in a porous soil, and appreciates dry, even arid soils in summer. It can withstand intense frost, up to about -23°C. Its pads sometimes collapse in winter due to the cold, but 'swell' in spring. This species tolerates snow perfectly, but also sea spray, and can therefore be cultivated in mountainous or coastal areas. It is not known ot be susceptible to pests.

Cultivation substrate: 3/4 potting soil + 1/4 vegetable soil + organic fertilizer for potted plants. Sandy, rocky soils for open ground cultivation.

Propagation is easy: take a pad at a junction, place it on a cactus-type substrate for a few days, until a callus forms. Then bury the base of the cutting a little deeper in the soil and water regularly. The plant will not flower or bear fruit before the age of 3. 

Handle your cacti with gloves and protective glasses.

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Planting period

Best planting time March, September to October
Recommended planting time February to April, August to September

Intended location

Suitable for Meadow, Rockery
Type of use Border, Free-standing, Hedge, Slope
Hardiness Hardy down to -15°C (USDA zone 7b) Show map
Ease of cultivation Amateur
Planting density 1 per m2
Exposure Sun
Soil pH Neutral, Calcareous
Soil type Chalky (poor, alkaline and well-drained), Stony (poor and well-drained)
Soil moisture Dry soil, Very well-drained, poor.

Care

Pruning No pruning necessary
Disease resistance Very good
Overwinter Can be left in the ground

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