Santa Rita Purple Prickly Pear – Opuntia violacea 3 Unrooted Pads | 5–6 Inches Each | Arizona Grown Cold Hardy | Vibrant Purple Color | Desert Landscape Favorite

Add bold desert color to your landscape with Santa Rita Purple Prickly Pear (Opuntia violacea). This striking Arizona native is known for its beautiful paddles that shift from green to brilliant red-purple under cold or drought stress.

Perfect for xeriscaping, rock gardens, and drought-tolerant landscapes, this hardy cactus is winter, frost, and snow tolerant once established. It creates a dramatic accent plant with vibrant seasonal color and classic prickly pear structure.

Grown without chemical pesticides or fertilizers in our family greenhouse in Arizona.

You will receive:
✔️ 3 unrooted Santa Rita prickly pear pads
✔️ Size: approximately 5–6 inches each
✔️ Healthy, freshly cut paddles
✔️ Organically grown (no chemical pesticides)
✔️ Securely packaged for safe arrival

🌼 Growing Information

Common Name: Santa Rita Purple Prickly Pear
Botanical Name: Opuntia violacea
Plant Type: Perennial cactus
Growth Stage: Unrooted pad cuttings
Sun Requirements: Full sun for best purple color
Soil: Very well-draining sandy or rocky soil
Watering: Minimal once established
Mature Height: 3–6 feet
Bloom Color: Yellow
USDA Zones: 7–10
Container Friendly: Yes

💡 Planting Tip: Allow cut ends to callous for several days before planting. Set pad upright or slightly buried in dry, well-draining soil. Wait about one week before first watering.

⚠️ Handling Notice: This cactus has fine glochids (tiny hair-like spines) that can attach to skin and fabric. Open package outdoors and handle with thick gloves and tools. Avoid direct contact.