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Purple Prickly Pear

Opuntia macrocentra

true

1 gallon; 5 gallon

Purple Prickly Pear

In stock

4' x 6'

Sizes:

Purple Prickly Pear – Opuntia macrocentra

Also known as: Purple Prickly Pear Cactus, Long-spine Prickly Pear

Opuntia macrocentra is a stunning, cold-hardy cactus native to the deserts of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is most notable for its striking pad color, which ranges from bluish-gray in summer to deep purple in winter—particularly when exposed to cold or drought stress. This seasonal color change adds vibrant year-round interest to desert gardens and habitat plantings.

This low-growing cactus forms dense clumps, typically reaching 2 to 3 feet tall and up to 6 feet wide. Its flattened pads are rounded and may appear almost perfectly circular, with an average diameter of 4 to 7 inches. The areoles bear both tufts of fine glochids and stout spines. True to its name, macrocentra (“large center”) often has a dominant central spine that can be up to 3 inches long and dark reddish-brown or black. The number and length of spines can vary across individuals and growing conditions.

In late spring to early summer, the plant produces large, bright yellow flowers with vivid red centers, which provide a striking contrast against the purple pads. These are followed by fleshy, reddish-purple fruits that are favored by birds and other wildlife.

This species thrives in full sun and very well-draining soils. It is highly drought-tolerant once established and cold-hardy down to at least 10°F. While the spines and glochids can be quite sharp, the plant makes an exceptional ornamental when placed away from foot traffic, where its colorful pads and dramatic flowers can be appreciated without risk.

Purple Prickly Pear blends beautifully with desert shrubs, grasses, and perennials. Its rich winter coloring and architectural form make it especially effective in xeric plantings, rock gardens, and cactus displays.

Wildlife Value

Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Verified for native bees, generalist pollinators, and beetles
Bird Resources: Fruit/Berries; Nectar; Seeds; Cavity; Nest
Bird Species: Cactus Wren (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus); Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura); Black-throated Sparrow (Amphispiza bilineata); Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus); Anna’s Hummingbird (Calypte anna); Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Reflected Heat

Mature size:

4' x 6'

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Yellow

Flower season:

Spring; Summer

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

0 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Yes

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Yes

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Yes

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Yes

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.