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 10–11Climate Arid, Subtropical

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — or Silver Dollar Giant Prickly Pear Cactus

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) — or Silver Dollar Giant Prickly Pear Cactus

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) — blue-green pads up to 18 inches across

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — or Silver Dollar Giant Prickly Pear Cactus; plant in well-draining soil and full sun, spaced 4-5 feet apart

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — cactus / succulent for full

Culture

Sun: Full
Water: Very Low
USDA zones: 10–11

Shape & size

Classification

Family: Cactaceae
Climate: Arid, Subtropical

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Photos (32)

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — scientifically named Opuntia robusta

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) — or Silver Dollar Giant Prickly Pear Cactus

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) — blue-green pads up to 18 inches across

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — or Silver Dollar Giant Prickly Pear Cactus; plant in well-draining soil and full sun, spaced 4-5 feet apart

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — cactus / succulent for full

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — Native to the arid regions of Mexico

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — while its width spans 5 to 10 feet when given ample space to spread

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — bluish-green pads can achieve diameters of 9 to 15 inches

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — resembling large silver coins

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — which lends the plant its common name

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — These pads are covered with small glochids

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — which are barb-like spines that can easily detach

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — producing showy yellow flowers that mature into purple fruits

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) — yellow flowers in the garden

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — is essential for proper site planning and safe interaction

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — along with its thorny nature

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — When incorporating Opuntia robusta into the landscape design

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — ensure it is planted in well-drained soil to prevent root rot

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — The Silver Dollar or Giant Prickly Pear

Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — It thrives in USDA Hardiness Zones 8b to 11

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