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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

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) — which lends the plant its common name
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — consider using this plant in groups or as a stand-alone feature in a rock garden or along a south-facing wall
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — or Silver Dollar Giant Prickly Pear Cactus
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) — Frost-tolerant to 20°F; provide protection in colder zones
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — which are barb-like spines that can easily detach
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — Informing the client of its potential size and spread
Giant Prickly Pear (Opuntia Robusta) — blue-green pads up to 18 inches across
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Opuntia Robusta
Photographs by 6 contributors

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