Opuntia hybrida Titania - Prickly Pear

The Opuntia Titania is a hybrid species of cactus closely related to the prickly pear, and very interesting in the garden, for its lack of spines. Of fairly rapid growth, this plant has a very upright habit, with long paddles growing almost vertically. These paddles are a pretty green colour and are covered with a fine whitish bloom that adds to their ornamental appeal. This American species grows in full sun and can withstand moderate cold, around -6°C (21.2°F), as long as it is planted in well-draining soil. Therefore, it is best suited for cultivation in dry and warm Mediterranean climates. Everywhere else, it should be planted in a large pot for overwintering .

The Opuntia Titania is a succulent plant devoid of true leaves, from the Cactaceae family, which includes 90 genera and 2500 species. The Opuntia, also known as prickly pear or paddle cactus, comes in 250 species adapted to all climates in America and southern Europe. In this plant, adaptation to drought has transformed the stems into fleshy paddles and the leaves into spines, in order to limit evaporation and transpiration. The result is a highly graphic appearance that is particularly prized in gardens.
The Opuntia x 'Titania' is an American cultivar developed by Luther Burbank (1849-1926). It is a hybrid between Opuntia ficus-indica, the famous prickly pear from Mexico and naturalized in the Mediterranean region, and the much less known Opuntia tuna, native to Central America.
'Titania' refers to its large size, as this horticultural species can reach a height of 3m (10ft), or even 5m (16ft) under very favorable conditions, with a width of only 1m (3ft). It has a very upright appearance, with the original paddle producing two or three new paddles, which in turn generate more, allowing the plant to branch out. The paddles, also known as cladodes in plant physiology, have a very elongated elliptical shape, measuring up to 30cm (12in) in length, 10cm (4in) in width, and 1.5cm (0 and 1in) in thickness. They have a beautiful green colour with a slight bloom and stand upright, giving this plant a easily recognizable appearance.
Another characteristic that sets it apart from the majority of its relatives is that 'Titania' is completely devoid of spines! It is therefore a safe plant that can be installed at home or in the garden without worrying about the safety of children. With its superb aesthetics, this Opuntia may occasionally produce flowers, although less frequently than other species. Pretty yellow flowers measuring 5 or 6cm (2in) in diameter will bloom in spring, but their display is relatively short-lived.

This spineless Opuntia is perfect for decorating a conservatory or interior in climates too cold to accommodate it in the garden. In milder areas, especially in the Mediterranean south, it can be planted in a large rock garden, with a mineral backdrop populated by other drought-resistant plants. Plant alongside one of the many agaves with blue or green leaves, which give a resolutely exotic look to a rock garden. Another highly graphic plant, the Euphorbia pithyusa, or Balearic Spurge, forms a cushion with very dense glaucous vegetation. Slow-growing, it will find its place at the forefront of your rock garden. And for even more variety, plant the Hesperaloe parviflora, a perennial that forms a clump of extremely narrow leaves and is adorned in summer with long coral red flower spikes that are truly dazzling!