3 Winter Hardy Prickly Pear Cacti (Opuntia): Grow in well-drained, bright, sunny spot. Handle with care as there are many thorns - the big ones hurt the most. But small ones will stick in your skin like a sliver.
1. **Opuntia cymochila (Plains Prickly Pear or Dune Prickly Pear)
2. **Opuntia cespitosa (Eastern Prickly Pear)
3. **Opuntia humifusa (Devil's Tongue or Eastern Prickly Pear)
1. **Opuntia cymochila (Plains Prickly Pear or Dune Prickly Pear) It’s native to the central United States**
- **Height & Growing Habits**: This low-growing cactus reaches about 4 to 8 inches in height and forms dense mats that can spread several feet wide. Its pads are typically small, rounded, and have fewer spines compared to some other prickly pears.
- **Bloom Time**: *Opuntia cymochila* typically blooms from late spring to early summer, with pale yellow flowers sometimes showing a slight blush of red at the base.
2. **Opuntia cespitosa (Eastern Prickly Pear) commonly found in the southeastern United States.
**
- **Height & Growing Habits**: This species grows 6 to 12 inches tall and has a spreading, clumping habit, often forming clusters of pads. It’s hardy and resilient, tolerating various soil types and climates.
- **Bloom Time**: It blooms in early to mid-summer, showcasing vibrant gold flowers with striking red centers.
3. **Opuntia humifusa (Devil's Tongue or Eastern Prickly Pear) Native in the eastern and central U.S and including Ontario.
**
- **Height & Growing Habits**: Generally reaches up to 6–12 inches tall, though it can sometimes grow slightly taller. This cactus spreads horizontally, creating wide mats, and adapts well to various soil conditions, including sandy and rocky soils.
- **Bloom Time**: Blooming occurs from late spring to early summer, producing bright yellow flowers that last a few weeks.
-GROWING FROM PADS**: Let the pad callus over for 1–2 days, then place it in a well-draining mix (cactus soil or sandy loam). Water sparingly, as the pad establishes roots over several weeks.
Each of these *Opuntia* species thrives in full sun, well-draining soil, and needs little water once established.