Opuntia engelmannii var. rastrera - Prickly Pear

The Opuntia engelmannii var. rastrera is a vigorous and particularly hardy prickly pear variety, capable of adapting to almost all climates, including montane ones. This variety forms a low and sprawling bush, with a height not exceeding that of three prickly pear pads. These pads, thick and rounded, armed with sharp prickle, often take a heart shape. The spring flowering is delightful, in the form of large pale yellow or light pink cups that fade into a beautiful orange hue. This is followed by round and purple fruits that can be consumed after removing their almost invisible and formidable spines. Hardy prickly pears are grown outdoors, in open ground and away from high-traffic areas, allowing them to express freely the spirit that inhabits them, that of the North American desert landscapes.

The Opuntia engelmannii, a close relative of the Prickly Pear (Opuntia ficus indica), is a succulent plant devoid of true leaves from the cactus family. This botanical species is native to arid regions of Mexico. The rastrera variety is distinguished, among other things, by its almost creeping growth habit. An adult specimen will not exceed 60 cm (24in) in height, but will spread laterally over at least 2 m (7ft). Its growth is fast, with the plant producing 1 or 2 new prickly pear pads per year from spring to autumn. The vegetation consists of its pads, or cladodes, that are stacked on top of each other, they are flattened, fleshy, and thick. The base lignifies with age and the plant withstands wind and snow. The gray-green surface is abundantly covered with large ivory prickles, which turn golden-brown over time, tiny prickles called glochides, gather in small round tufts which are very dangerous when handling. The flowering takes place abundantly in May-June. Several flowers appear on the perimeter of the pads, mainly towards their tips. Their color ranges from yellow to pink, but they all fade into orange. The rounded cup-shaped flowers are composed of fine and slightly translucent petals. They give way to globose fruits, heavily covered with glochides, which mature into violet-purple color. While they are edible, they are less flavorful than those of the Prickly Pear.

Growable in almost all our regions, this amazing cactus is hardy down to -20°C without protection, in perfectly well-drained, rocky, stony or sandy soil. It naturally structures exotic or contemporary settings, in a large rock garden, on a dry slope, or at the edges of a dry garden. It can also be used to double as a defensive hedge. It will find its place among hardy agaves, Nolinas, and arborescent Euphorbias. Associate it with fairly hardy columnar cacti: Cleistocactus strausii or Cylindropuntia imbricata. It should be kept away from high-traffic areas and children due to its formidable spines.