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Opuntia fragilis
The plant likes full sun, but can also tolerate partial shade. It is suitable for rock gardens or portable containers.
Water the plant in the pot after the substrate has dried out. Do not water in winter.
The plant is frost-resistant and can withstand temperatures down to -25 °C.
The northernmost growing cactus in the world – in Canada up to 56° N.
Opuntia fragilis, commonly known as the brittle prickly pear, is an exceptionally hardy species native to North America. The species name fragilis means “brittle” or “fragile” and refers to the easily detachable stem segments, which break off readily and serve as an effective means of vegetative spread. It is the northernmost-growing cactus species in the world, reaching up to 56° north latitude in Canada. This represents a vast distribution area of roughly 3,000 km in length and about 2,400 km in width. Owing to this enormous range and the highly variable climates it inhabits, Opuntia fragilis shows considerable natural variation. In the wild, it grows in dry steppe and semi-desert habitats, on shallow sandy or skeletal soils, and on various types of rock, reaching elevations of up to about 2,400 m.
The plant forms low-growing colonies composed of small stem segments, typically around 5 cm long and about 3 cm wide. Areoles bear tufts of woolly hairs and several spines.
The flowers are yellow, up to about 2.5 cm in diameter, and appear from spring onwards.
Opuntia fragilis is an undemanding prickly pear best grown in a sunny position with an extremely well-drained substrate that must not remain waterlogged. In autumn, the plant naturally reduces water uptake as temperatures drop, helping it overwinter safely. Thanks to its exceptional toughness, it is an excellent choice for anyone looking to grow a truly reliable outdoor opuntia.