Growing Prickly Pear

When someone mentions cactus, I bet most of you would first think of Prickly Pear.  It is one of the most distinctive desert plants, and grows in a wide range of locations, but is typically considered a hot desert dweller.

And for those of us who garden in the high country of Northern Arizona, some of you may not think of incorporating prickly pear initially.  While our climate is considered a high desert, it might be surprising to know that many prickly pear varieties will not only survive in our four season climate, but truly thrive.
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Background

Optunia

There are many varieties of prickly pear, and it is found growing in southern Canada and all the way to southern South America.  In the Sonoran Desert region, which is a large part of central and southern Arizona, there are at least 18 species alone.  And there are hybrids as well.  I have seen references to even hundreds of cultivars around the world.

The cactus is named for the fruit that form after blooming and ripens in fall, and I guess some would say looks like a pear.  And the fruit is considered edible, as are in fact the pads of many varieties - much skill and work to properly prepare them goes along with a good recipe.

The whole process of watching the buds develop and burst into truly extravagant blooms, and then mature into fruit is really exciting to observe over the whole season.

I am  featuring an Engelman's Prickly Pear that is growing here at Juniper Hill Cottage.  One of my favorites.  Scroll down to learn more.

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engelman's prickly pear in my garden

Opuntia Engelmannii

Prickly Pear is one of the showier cactus blooms, and many will mature into a very large plant - great for a focal point in the garden even when not in bloom.

Unfortunately some Prickly Pear will not survive the winters in the high desert, here in Prescott.  But this is one of the varieties that will.  This is a 4-year old Engelman's Prickly Pear growing in my garden at Juniper Hill Cottage.

It is one of the most widespread prickly pear and is one with the largest size pads of the cold hardy varieties.  In mid-spring the buds start to form, and this image was taken a few days before the flowers began to open.

I bought this plant quite small, four years ago, and selected a nice large space for it in my front garden on a slope in the sun, because over time it can become quite large.  It didn't do much for the first 3 years, but this year it began to bloom, although somewhat sparsely, for the first time. 

It has almost tripled in size during that time and the whole cycle from bud, to flower, to fruit is just wonderful to watch as it evolves. 

Later this fall, when the fruit starts to ripen I'll try to remember to share images.
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Bee Party
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The flower petals are almost translucent, and the color is so rich and vibrant.  Unfortunately, each bloom only lasts a day or two.  But as the plant matures and develops more blooms each year, you can enjoy a longer show.

Take a close look at this image above.  The bees were just wallowing in the nectar and happy as could be!

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Thanks for reading (I'm having so much fun sharing these plant feature posts this summer).  

I hope you will consider including some Prickly Pear in your landscape.  If you need some input on which varieties or where to plan or how to care for them, drop me a note in the comments below!

Peace and contentment,
~Miriam

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