About
Opuntia macrocentra, the long-spined prickly pear, is a spreading cactus producing distinctive, blue-grey to purple-tinged, flat stem segments with long, dark spines and funnel-shaped, yellow flowers with red centres in spring and summer. An ornamental and drought-tolerant cactus for a sunny, very well-drained, frost-free garden.
About the genus
Opuntia are creeping, bushy or tree-like cacti with flattened, pad-like stem segments bearing spines and barbed bristles, and funnel-shaped flowers followed by spiny, fleshy fruits. Grown in sunny, well-drained positions in frost-free gardens and heated greenhouses.
Plant details
Suggested usesSpecimen planting, gardens, parks.
Care notes
CultivationPlant in well-drained soil. Stake young.
PruningPrune in late winter or after flowering.
PropagationPropagate by division, cuttings, or seed.
Pest resistanceGenerally pest-free.
Disease resistanceGenerally disease-resistant.