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Giant Prickly Pear

Opuntia Robusta

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Overview

Opuntia robusta, or Silver Dollar Giant Prickly Pear Cactus, boasts broad, blue-green pads up to 18 inches across, with few long spines. This Mexican native is a striking, low-maintenance accent for xeriscaped areas, reaching up to 6 feet tall. Plant in well-draining soil and full sun, spaced 4-5 feet apart. Frost-tolerant to 20°F; provide protection in colder zones. A dramatic, sculptural option for water-conserving landscapes.

Sun FullWater Very LowZones 10–11Type Cactus, SucculentClimate Arid, Subtropical
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — yellow flowers in the garden
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8b to 11Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — These pads are covered with small glochidsGiant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — is a striking specimen highly prized in xeriscape gardens for its architectural form and drought toleranceGiant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — scientifically named Opuntia robustaGiant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — Native to the arid regions of MexicoGiant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — producing showy yellow flowers that mature into purple fruits+45

Culture

Sun
Full
Water
Very Low
USDA zones
10–11

Shape & size

Classification

Type
Cactus, Succulent
Family
Cactaceae
Climate
Arid, Subtropical

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Photos (52)

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — yellow flowers in the garden
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8b to 11
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — These pads are covered with small glochids
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — is a striking specimen highly prized in xeriscape gardens for its architectural form and drought tolerance
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — scientifically named Opuntia robusta
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — Native to the arid regions of Mexico
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — producing showy yellow flowers that mature into purple fruits
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — tolerating temperatures as low as 15 to 20&deg;F for brief periods.<br><br>For a bold visual impact
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — A dramatic, sculptural option for water-conserving landscapes
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — When incorporating Opuntia robusta into the landscape design
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — As it requires minimal maintenance and watering once established
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — the Silver Dollar is a low-care choice for gardens in arid climates
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — while its width spans 5 to 10 feet when given ample space to spread
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — resembling large silver coins
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — This Mexican native is a striking, low-maintenance accent for xeriscaped areas, reaching up to 6 feet tall
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — The Silver Dollar or Giant Prickly Pear
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — cactus / succulent for full
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — ensure it is planted in well-drained soil to prevent root rot
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — along with its thorny nature
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — bluish-green pads can achieve diameters of 9 to 15 inches
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — offering a contrast to the blue-green foliage
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — cactus / succulent with yellow blooms
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — Plant in well-draining soil and full sun, spaced 4-5 feet apart
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — is essential for proper site planning and safe interaction
Photographs by 16 contributors

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