Opuntia 'Desert Skies'

Opuntia 'Desert Skies' is a select form of Opuntia x castorea produced by Tom Jesch at Waterwise Botanicals. We are lucky enough to sell some clones from them. Plants get their name 'Desert Skies' because flowers are red like the summer Desert Sky at sunset/sunrise. Opuntia x castorea is a natural hybrid between Opuntia erinacea and Opuntia macrorhiza. Some invalid names associated with this type of opuntia is opuntia woodsii which has no valid taxonomic name. We have had this plant in our garden for 25 years, they have proven cold hardy taking -17F and only getting damge once in all that time. We removed the pads and they got a better bloom than in other years. Plants can get 2ft tall and 3ft wide. In colder climates they will not get the height. 
 
We share our experiences to help with your own trials of cold hardiness. We do not guarantee these plants in any garden or zone. Every garden is different and everyones growing conditions are different. Please try plants at your own risk, I do not want to be misleading to anyone.
 
WE NO LONGER HOLD ORDERS FOR SPECIFIC DATES. SEE SHIPPING INFORMATION FOR MORE DETAILS.