Red Gem Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia)

Opuntia x Red Gem (Prickly Pear Cactus) is a stunning evergreen groundcover cactus that brings vibrant color to rock gardens and containers. Small, round 2-3 pads have densely packed, short spines and in June, magenta-pink flowers attract bees and hummingbirds. This beautiful little Prickly Pear was developed by Colorados Kelly Grummons, and is thought to be a hybrid between Opuntia basilaris or aurea and Opuntia fragilis.

Red Gem thrives in full sun to part shade in gritty, well-drained soil. It is hardy enough and the perfect size for a large trough; it has thrived in pots at 7000 in New Mexico. Water sparingly and keep the plant dry during winter months to prevent root rot. This resilient plant can withstand both extreme cold and heat once established, and is deer, rabbit and wind resistant. Handle with care as the fragile pads can break off easily.