SKU: 38514915287
blooming purple prickly pear cactus

blooming purple prickly pear cactus Buy Purple Prickly Pear Phoenix, AZ | Opuntia santa-rita

Sale price$19.58 Regular price$21.76
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $5.44 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 20 - Jul 25

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

blooming purple prickly pear cactus Buy Purple Prickly Pear Phoenix, AZ | Opuntia santa-ritaArizona's Most Colorful Native Cactus Purple Pads Year Round The Purple Prickly Pear (Opuntia santa rita) is the showstopper of the prickly pear family and one of the most eye catching native cacti you can plant in a Phoenix landscape. Its broad, flat pads shift from blue green to deep purple under cold or drought stress meaning you get stunning color exactly when your garden needs it most. Growing just 23 feet tall and spreading 35 feet wide, this

Arizona's Most Colorful Native Cactus — Purple Pads Year-Round

The Purple Prickly Pear (Opuntia santa-rita) is the showstopper of the prickly pear family and one of the most eye-catching native cacti you can plant in a Phoenix landscape. Its broad, flat pads shift from blue-green to deep purple under cold or drought stress — meaning you get stunning color exactly when your garden needs it most. Growing just 2–3 feet tall and spreading 3–5 feet wide, this low-growing cactus produces showy yellow flowers with red-orange centers in spring, followed by edible reddish-purple fruit. Whether you're building a drought-tolerant front yard in Scottsdale, filling a rocky slope in Fountain Hills, or creating a native cactus garden in Mesa — Purple Prickly Pear delivers year-round color with zero irrigation once established.

Purple Prickly Pear Plant Details

Attribute Detail
Scientific Name Opuntia santa-rita
Common Names Purple Prickly Pear, Santa Rita Prickly Pear, Violet Prickly Pear
Mature Height 2–3 feet
Mature Width 3–5 feet (spreading)
Growth Rate Moderate — fills in within 1–2 years in Phoenix
Sun Full sun (6+ hrs). Handles reflected heat from walls and pavement.
Water Extremely low once established. Thrives on rainfall alone in Phoenix.
USDA Zones 8–11 (Phoenix is Zone 9b–10a)
Soil Well-draining. Adapts to Arizona caliche and rocky native soils.
Foliage Evergreen — pads stay year-round, turn purple in cold/drought
Native Status Native to Arizona, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico

Purple Prickly Pear Uses in Phoenix Landscapes

Drought-Tolerant Front Yard & Xeriscape

Purple Prickly Pear is the ultimate zero-water landscape plant once established. Mass-plant 3–5 specimens across a gravel or decomposed granite bed for a colorful, maintenance-free front yard. The purple pads pop against warm-toned gravel — a look that's become a signature of modern Scottsdale and Gilbert xeriscapes. Pair with Golden Barrel Cactus and Desert Spoon for texture contrast.

Native Cactus Garden

Create an authentic Sonoran Desert garden by grouping Purple Prickly Pear with Engleman's Prickly Pear, Mexican Fence Post, and Totem Pole cactus. The color contrast between the purple pads and the green columnar cacti creates a striking display. This combination thrives in Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa with almost no supplemental water.

Slope & Erosion Control

The spreading growth habit and dense root system make Purple Prickly Pear an excellent choice for stabilizing slopes and hillsides in Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, and north Scottsdale. Plant 3 feet apart on slopes — the pads will knit together within 2 seasons to create a colorful, erosion-resistant groundcover.

Wildlife & Pollinator Garden

The spring flowers attract native bees and butterflies, while the edible fruit feeds birds and desert wildlife through summer. Plant near a patio or window in Peoria or Glendale for front-row wildlife viewing.

Best Time to Plant Purple Prickly Pear in Phoenix

Fall (October–November) is ideal — warm soil encourages root growth while cooler air reduces transplant stress. This gives your prickly pear 6–8 months of root establishment before its first Phoenix summer. Spring (February–April) is the second-best window. Avoid planting in peak summer if possible, though established Purple Prickly Pear is incredibly heat-tolerant.

How to Plant Purple Prickly Pear

  1. Dig wide, not deep — 2–3x the root ball width, same depth as the container.
  2. Check for caliche — break through any hardpan layer for drainage. Prickly pear will rot in standing water.
  3. Backfill with native soil — no amendments needed. This cactus prefers lean, rocky soil.
  4. Spacing — 3 feet apart for mass planting or slope coverage; 4–5 feet for individual specimens.
  5. Water basin — build a shallow ring to direct water to roots during establishment only.
  6. Mulch — 2–3 inches of gravel or decomposed granite. Never use organic mulch against cacti.

Watering Purple Prickly Pear in Phoenix

First Year Watering Schedule

Weeks 1–2: Every 3–4 days, deep and slow. Month 1–2: Every 7–10 days. Month 3–6: Every 2 weeks. After Year 1: Rainfall only in most Phoenix locations. Supplement once monthly in peak summer only if pads look shriveled.

Drip Irrigation

Place one 1 GPH emitter 12 inches from the base during the first year. After establishment, remove or turn off supplemental irrigation — overwatering is the #1 killer of prickly pear in Phoenix landscapes.

How fast does Purple Prickly Pear grow in Phoenix?
Moderate growth — a 1-gallon plant will fill a 3–4 foot area within 2 years in full sun. New pads emerge in spring and summer, each one adding to the spreading clump.

Why do the pads turn purple?
The purple coloring intensifies during cold weather (winter) and drought stress. It's caused by anthocyanin pigments — the same compounds that make blueberries blue. The more stress, the deeper the purple. In summer with regular water, pads shift back toward blue-green.

Is Purple Prickly Pear fruit edible?
Yes! The reddish-purple fruit (called tunas) is edible and has been used in traditional Southwestern cuisine for centuries. Harvest with tongs in late summer — they make excellent jams, syrups, and agua fresca.

Does Purple Prickly Pear have spines?
Purple Prickly Pear has fewer spines than most prickly pear species, but it does have glochids (tiny hair-like barbs). Plant it at least 3 feet from walkways and play areas. Use leather gloves when handling.

Can Purple Prickly Pear handle Phoenix summer heat?
Absolutely — it's native to the Sonoran Desert and handles temperatures well above 115°F. It also tolerates reflected heat from walls, concrete, and asphalt without any issues.

You May Also Like

Engleman's Prickly Pear — Arizona's classic green prickly pear, perfect for pairing with Purple Prickly Pear for a two-tone cactus display.
Golden Barrel Cactus — A round, golden-spined cactus that contrasts beautifully with the flat purple pads.
Mexican Fence Post — A tall columnar cactus that adds vertical height behind low-growing prickly pear.
Queen Victoria Agave — A compact, geometric agave with white markings — stunning accent next to purple pads.
Totem Pole Major — A smooth, spineless columnar cactus that pairs perfectly in modern desert gardens.

How Many Purple Prickly Pear Do I Need?

This is a low, spreading cactus (3 to 5 ft wide) that knits together for slope cover, mass plantings, and erosion control. Space plants about 3 ft on center to fill in within two seasons. Use the coverage table to plan a bed or slope:

Area to Cover Plants at 3 ft Centers
50 sq ft 5–6
100 sq ft 11–12
200 sq ft 22–24

For a single color accent in a gravel bed, one plant reads beautifully. Keep all plantings at least 3 ft back from walkways and play areas, since the pads carry glochids.

Purple Prickly Pear Season-by-Season in Phoenix

  • Spring (Feb–Apr): Showy yellow flowers with red-orange centers open along the pad edges, drawing native bees and butterflies. New pads flush as the weather warms. Strong second planting window.
  • Summer (May–Sep): Shrugs off temperatures well above 115°F and reflected heat on rainfall alone. Edible reddish-purple tunas ripen by late summer. Keep soil dry between any supplemental soaks.
  • Fall (Oct–Nov): Prime planting season. Warm soil and mild air give roots months to establish.
  • Winter (Dec–Jan): Cold and drought stress deepen the pads to vivid purple, the plant's signature look. Very cold hardy to about 15°F, so it sails through Valley winters with no protection.

At a Glance

✔ Arizona Native   ✔ Heat-Loving (Reflected-Heat Tolerant)   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Edible   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Low-Maintenance   ✔ Fire-Wise   ✔ Deer & Rabbit-Resistant   ✔ Cold-Hardy to 15°F

Plant It With

  • Engleman's Prickly Pear: Arizona's green native prickly pear for a two-tone pad display.
  • Mexican Fence Post: tall columns that add vertical height behind the low purple pads.
  • Totem Pole Major: a smooth sculptural column that pairs cleanly in a modern desert bed.
  • Desert Spoon: a silvery rosette that adds soft texture contrast to the flat pads.

Is Purple Prickly Pear Right for Your Yard?

It thrives in full sun and reflected heat in lean, fast-draining native soil, making it a no-irrigation choice for front yards, slopes, and native cactus gardens. Break through caliche so water never stands at the roots. It is not a fit right beside walkways, patios, or play areas, since the glochids catch skin and clothing: give it at least 3 ft of clearance.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 38514915287

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell blooming purple prickly pear cactus

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.1 ★★★★★
Based on 20 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
A
Verified Purchase
Amanda Hammond
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 5
Love this!
Flavor Name: 1. Sensitive Mint, Size: 4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
This toothpaste does not foam but my mouth has never felt cleaner or fresher! The taste is minty fresh and I have noticed a difference in the whiteness of my teeth since I started using it! Very effective and I highly recommend!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 9, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
TeeB
Lexington, US
★★★★★ 4
Baking soda never works out well
Flavor Name: 1. Sensitive Mint, Size: 4 Ounce (Pack of 1)
I don't know why I decided to chance it but it didn't take long for my teeth to start aching. I realized baking soda might be the cause of my toothache issues when I switched between a few and realized the baking soda ones were accompanied by aching. I think I went with this because it claims to be for sensitivity and I thought the nhap would help whatever the baking soda affected but not the case. If you have tooth ache, consider it might actually be the toothpaste and don't just go looking for "sensitive" labels. This might work in combination with other toothpaste. I.e. not multiple times a day but once a day and a different one for other brushing. I've noticed not being as able to tell when it's been a while since I brushed. This was the main change so it might be effective at cleaning. The tube is metal and hard to press but the paste consistency is less firm than others so it works out. It didn't take much to get the paste out. It gives a light foam. The taste is not sweet. It's tolerable but borders on bad.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2026
P
Verified Purchase
Pamela K.
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Mr. Hancock Intrigues Once Again!
Format: Paperback
Mr. Hancock is a fabulous writer/author that I have had the pleasure of reading for many years now! Be it his non-fiction books or like this book, historical-based fiction, he always leaves you thinking and contemplating life and where we come from and how we fit in on this planet and in the this universe! This book had me right from the very first paragraph, I knew it wouldn't take me long to finish it, which it didn't...of course, leaving me hungry for the next book in this trilogy! I have always been intrigued and fascinated with the paranormal and was pleasantly surprised to find it fitting in perfectly and so naturally in this tale. What I would like to thank Mr. Hancock for is his ability to describe scenes, people, actions, interactions, rituals, etc. in such clear, concise and extreme detail using many rarely-used (anymore in this day and age) adjectives making every page come alive for me! I was so enthralled with his writing in this book that I felt like I was watching a movie...very vivid! I almost felt as if I was in that world and that time while reading this fabulous book! I was relating part of the book to my husband one day and actually started out a sentence by saying to him..."she told me", my gosh...I caught myself in mid-sentence...what was I saying?!?! That's how captivating this book and the story was to me...I WAS there! Thank you once again Mr. Hancock for all you do and all your studies...you are always thought-provoking in all you bring to us...your readers, listeners and followers! Your work and travels are much appreciated and certainly needed for the awakening of mankind...please don't quit sharing with us anytime soon!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2013
Z
Verified Purchase
Zen
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Gripping & Enthralling
Format: Kindle
Get this book, and jump on the thrill ride. Savage war dogs in full plate armor, human sacrifice on an industrial scale, cannons firing grapeshot point blank into charging hordes of unsuspecting warriors, intense duels within the Spanish and Native groups... this book is graphic and hard to put down. Just be aware that as pt. 1 of a trilogy, it WILL leave you hanging, and wanting more. I suppose that is just the nature of the beast... and we must patiently await pt. 2. Far more historical than a fantasy, but more fantastic than a history... this novel falls almost perfectly into that middle ground, sweet spot. It is extremely well researched, with few liberties taken, so you really feel like you are observing things that could very well have transpired. However, it goes beyond a flat, boring recreation of the extant journals and histories of the conquest of New Spain, and introduces vivid characters, visions, dreams, and witchcraft to bring the tale to life. Historians might appreciate the graphic and accurate depictions of battles and intrigue, and fantasy buffs might dig the subplots involving mushroom visions, metaphysical "gods," and a young witch in Tenochtitlan (being stuff that couldn't be derived from source material and must come from the prolific mind of Mr. Hancock). Some might prefer these things stay separate and "never the twain shall meet," but there are books enough for purists out there. What Graham Hancock has done is present a page-turning story which fully draws the reader into a world which is a fairly good estimation of that world that existed when Cortez & his worldview met the Mexica & the Maya... and supplanted theirs. Given that most everyone on Earth already knows this story--and how it ends--it was IMHO a very wise decision for the author to add drama and tension by fleshing this out into a "fictional" novel. I would say the breakdown is 1/3rd non-fiction, 1/3rd logical extrapolations from what we know, and 1/3rd pure fantasy. I honestly can't say which part I prefer. Just do yourself a favor and read this.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 6, 2014
G
Verified Purchase
Gsorme
Omaha, US
★★★★★ 4
Very impressive
Format: Paperback
I approached this one with caution and came away impressed, glad to have read it, and looking forward to the sequel. It's a fascinating and occasionally breathtaking novel. Hancock has a knack for writing compelling fiction. It's funny: often when people write reviews of his non-fiction books they'll say they read like good thrillers. This one is compelling as fiction but also had enough historical detail to keep me interested beyond the plot and to make me think about the Spanish conquest of Mexico in a different light. I was very grateful for the endnote by Hancock giving an overview of the types of "fictional" elements he introduced into the book (such as combining a couple of historical events into a single event in order to keep the appropriate pace for a novel) because this clarified things and allowed me to come away from the book with a deeper overall understanding of that period in history--which Hancock really does bring alive. Granted, this is Hancock's take on it--even non-fiction historical books have an author's "take" on events--but it seems to be a very well-informed take. Mixed in are supernatural elements and hints of the non-orthodox elements of history that Hancock is known for investigating in his non-fiction. For me, the blend was good. It's not a perfect novel. For example, the style of switching perspective from character to character from short chapter to short chapter was a bit jarring at first; I found it unnecessary and it ended up taking me out of the narrative for a few short moments. (Perhaps this was done to "hit the ground running" and introduce the large cast of characters and plot threads quickly; still, for me it was too much at first.) However, this stylistic approach shifts as the book goes on; the sequences become longer and occasionally blend together. Ultimately this worked, especially given the large cast and numerous plots the book juggles. If it hadn't worked, I would've put the book down; as it was, I did end up turning pages (on my Kindle) rather quickly and not getting bored. There is an immense amount of blood and gore. Very graphic. I won't pass judgment on it. It did give a pretty visceral impression of the whole human sacrifice element of the Mexica and other peoples, and of what battle was probably like at the time. Character-wise the book is diverse and interesting. There are a few semi-saccharine moments and lightly-drawn characters, but in general all are developed to help drive the story forward and to offer possible insights into their historical counterparts. Ultimately I guess we could call this a "sprawling epic," one that wraps up the first part of its story at the end but leaves a huge section to be developed in the next installment. I hope we don't have to wait too long. As I said at the beginning of this review, I didn't really know what to expect from this book but it really was quite fluid, exciting, surprising, and enlightening. Very impressive.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 3, 2013

recommand products