Purple Prickly Pear ‘Santa Rita’ – Opuntia Small Rooted Plant | Bare Root Shipping | Stunning Color Cold Hardy Cactus | Purple Blue Pads | Collector Favorite

Add dramatic desert color to your collection with a rooted Purple Prickly Pear ‘Santa Rita’ cactus. This stunning Opuntia shifts in color throughout the year, ranging from green to blue to deep purple, especially with strong sun and cooler temperatures.

This listing is for a small rooted plant shipped bare root. Santa Rita is slower growing than standard green prickly pear varieties but highly prized for its vibrant coloration and bold landscape presence.

Perfect for xeriscape gardens, rock beds, containers, or cactus collections.

You will receive the exact rooted plant shown (parent plant photos for reference of mature growth).

You will receive:
✔️ 1 small rooted Purple Prickly Pear ‘Santa Rita’
✔️ Shipped bare root
✔️ Color-changing blue to purple pads
✔️ Hardy perennial cactus
✔️ Secure packaging for safe arrival

🌼 Growing Information

Common Name: Purple Prickly Pear, Santa Rita
Botanical Name: Opuntia spp. ‘Santa Rita’
Plant Type: Perennial cactus
Growth Stage: Rooted plant
Sun Requirements: Full sun for best purple coloration
Soil: Very well-draining cactus or sandy mix
Watering: Low; allow soil to dry completely between watering
Mature Height: 3–5 feet
Growth Rate: Moderate (slower than green varieties)
USDA Zones: 7–10
Container Friendly: Yes

💡 Care Tip: For deep purple color, provide maximum sunlight and allow slight stress from cooler temperatures (within hardiness limits). Avoid overwatering and ensure excellent drainage.