SKU: 42874922267
herbicide for prickly pear cactus

herbicide for prickly pear cactus Buy Purple Prickly Pear Phoenix, AZ | Opuntia santa-rita

Sale price$23.37 Regular price$25.97
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $6.49 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 27 - Aug 1

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

herbicide for prickly pear cactus Buy Purple Prickly Pear Phoenix, AZ | Opuntia santa-ritaArizona's Most Colorful Native Cactus Purple Pads Year Round The Purple Prickly Pear (Opuntia santa rita) is the showstopper of the prickly pear family and one of the most eye catching native cacti you can plant in a Phoenix landscape. Its broad, flat pads shift from blue green to deep purple under cold or drought stress meaning you get stunning color exactly when your garden needs it most. Growing just 23 feet tall and spreading 35 feet wide, this

Arizona's Most Colorful Native Cactus — Purple Pads Year-Round

The Purple Prickly Pear (Opuntia santa-rita) is the showstopper of the prickly pear family and one of the most eye-catching native cacti you can plant in a Phoenix landscape. Its broad, flat pads shift from blue-green to deep purple under cold or drought stress — meaning you get stunning color exactly when your garden needs it most. Growing just 2–3 feet tall and spreading 3–5 feet wide, this low-growing cactus produces showy yellow flowers with red-orange centers in spring, followed by edible reddish-purple fruit. Whether you're building a drought-tolerant front yard in Scottsdale, filling a rocky slope in Fountain Hills, or creating a native cactus garden in Mesa — Purple Prickly Pear delivers year-round color with zero irrigation once established.

Purple Prickly Pear Plant Details

Attribute Detail
Scientific Name Opuntia santa-rita
Common Names Purple Prickly Pear, Santa Rita Prickly Pear, Violet Prickly Pear
Mature Height 2–3 feet
Mature Width 3–5 feet (spreading)
Growth Rate Moderate — fills in within 1–2 years in Phoenix
Sun Full sun (6+ hrs). Handles reflected heat from walls and pavement.
Water Extremely low once established. Thrives on rainfall alone in Phoenix.
USDA Zones 8–11 (Phoenix is Zone 9b–10a)
Soil Well-draining. Adapts to Arizona caliche and rocky native soils.
Foliage Evergreen — pads stay year-round, turn purple in cold/drought
Native Status Native to Arizona, southern New Mexico, and northern Mexico

Purple Prickly Pear Uses in Phoenix Landscapes

Drought-Tolerant Front Yard & Xeriscape

Purple Prickly Pear is the ultimate zero-water landscape plant once established. Mass-plant 3–5 specimens across a gravel or decomposed granite bed for a colorful, maintenance-free front yard. The purple pads pop against warm-toned gravel — a look that's become a signature of modern Scottsdale and Gilbert xeriscapes. Pair with Golden Barrel Cactus and Desert Spoon for texture contrast.

Native Cactus Garden

Create an authentic Sonoran Desert garden by grouping Purple Prickly Pear with Engleman's Prickly Pear, Mexican Fence Post, and Totem Pole cactus. The color contrast between the purple pads and the green columnar cacti creates a striking display. This combination thrives in Tempe, Chandler, and Mesa with almost no supplemental water.

Slope & Erosion Control

The spreading growth habit and dense root system make Purple Prickly Pear an excellent choice for stabilizing slopes and hillsides in Fountain Hills, Cave Creek, and north Scottsdale. Plant 3 feet apart on slopes — the pads will knit together within 2 seasons to create a colorful, erosion-resistant groundcover.

Wildlife & Pollinator Garden

The spring flowers attract native bees and butterflies, while the edible fruit feeds birds and desert wildlife through summer. Plant near a patio or window in Peoria or Glendale for front-row wildlife viewing.

Best Time to Plant Purple Prickly Pear in Phoenix

Fall (October–November) is ideal — warm soil encourages root growth while cooler air reduces transplant stress. This gives your prickly pear 6–8 months of root establishment before its first Phoenix summer. Spring (February–April) is the second-best window. Avoid planting in peak summer if possible, though established Purple Prickly Pear is incredibly heat-tolerant.

How to Plant Purple Prickly Pear

  1. Dig wide, not deep — 2–3x the root ball width, same depth as the container.
  2. Check for caliche — break through any hardpan layer for drainage. Prickly pear will rot in standing water.
  3. Backfill with native soil — no amendments needed. This cactus prefers lean, rocky soil.
  4. Spacing — 3 feet apart for mass planting or slope coverage; 4–5 feet for individual specimens.
  5. Water basin — build a shallow ring to direct water to roots during establishment only.
  6. Mulch — 2–3 inches of gravel or decomposed granite. Never use organic mulch against cacti.

Watering Purple Prickly Pear in Phoenix

First Year Watering Schedule

Weeks 1–2: Every 3–4 days, deep and slow. Month 1–2: Every 7–10 days. Month 3–6: Every 2 weeks. After Year 1: Rainfall only in most Phoenix locations. Supplement once monthly in peak summer only if pads look shriveled.

Drip Irrigation

Place one 1 GPH emitter 12 inches from the base during the first year. After establishment, remove or turn off supplemental irrigation — overwatering is the #1 killer of prickly pear in Phoenix landscapes.

How fast does Purple Prickly Pear grow in Phoenix?
Moderate growth — a 1-gallon plant will fill a 3–4 foot area within 2 years in full sun. New pads emerge in spring and summer, each one adding to the spreading clump.

Why do the pads turn purple?
The purple coloring intensifies during cold weather (winter) and drought stress. It's caused by anthocyanin pigments — the same compounds that make blueberries blue. The more stress, the deeper the purple. In summer with regular water, pads shift back toward blue-green.

Is Purple Prickly Pear fruit edible?
Yes! The reddish-purple fruit (called tunas) is edible and has been used in traditional Southwestern cuisine for centuries. Harvest with tongs in late summer — they make excellent jams, syrups, and agua fresca.

Does Purple Prickly Pear have spines?
Purple Prickly Pear has fewer spines than most prickly pear species, but it does have glochids (tiny hair-like barbs). Plant it at least 3 feet from walkways and play areas. Use leather gloves when handling.

Can Purple Prickly Pear handle Phoenix summer heat?
Absolutely — it's native to the Sonoran Desert and handles temperatures well above 115°F. It also tolerates reflected heat from walls, concrete, and asphalt without any issues.

You May Also Like

Engleman's Prickly Pear — Arizona's classic green prickly pear, perfect for pairing with Purple Prickly Pear for a two-tone cactus display.
Golden Barrel Cactus — A round, golden-spined cactus that contrasts beautifully with the flat purple pads.
Mexican Fence Post — A tall columnar cactus that adds vertical height behind low-growing prickly pear.
Queen Victoria Agave — A compact, geometric agave with white markings — stunning accent next to purple pads.
Totem Pole Major — A smooth, spineless columnar cactus that pairs perfectly in modern desert gardens.

How Many Purple Prickly Pear Do I Need?

This is a low, spreading cactus (3 to 5 ft wide) that knits together for slope cover, mass plantings, and erosion control. Space plants about 3 ft on center to fill in within two seasons. Use the coverage table to plan a bed or slope:

Area to Cover Plants at 3 ft Centers
50 sq ft 5–6
100 sq ft 11–12
200 sq ft 22–24

For a single color accent in a gravel bed, one plant reads beautifully. Keep all plantings at least 3 ft back from walkways and play areas, since the pads carry glochids.

Purple Prickly Pear Season-by-Season in Phoenix

  • Spring (Feb–Apr): Showy yellow flowers with red-orange centers open along the pad edges, drawing native bees and butterflies. New pads flush as the weather warms. Strong second planting window.
  • Summer (May–Sep): Shrugs off temperatures well above 115°F and reflected heat on rainfall alone. Edible reddish-purple tunas ripen by late summer. Keep soil dry between any supplemental soaks.
  • Fall (Oct–Nov): Prime planting season. Warm soil and mild air give roots months to establish.
  • Winter (Dec–Jan): Cold and drought stress deepen the pads to vivid purple, the plant's signature look. Very cold hardy to about 15°F, so it sails through Valley winters with no protection.

At a Glance

✔ Arizona Native   ✔ Heat-Loving (Reflected-Heat Tolerant)   ✔ Drought-Tolerant   ✔ Pollinator-Friendly   ✔ Edible   ✔ Evergreen   ✔ Low-Maintenance   ✔ Fire-Wise   ✔ Deer & Rabbit-Resistant   ✔ Cold-Hardy to 15°F

Plant It With

  • Engleman's Prickly Pear: Arizona's green native prickly pear for a two-tone pad display.
  • Mexican Fence Post: tall columns that add vertical height behind the low purple pads.
  • Totem Pole Major: a smooth sculptural column that pairs cleanly in a modern desert bed.
  • Desert Spoon: a silvery rosette that adds soft texture contrast to the flat pads.

Is Purple Prickly Pear Right for Your Yard?

It thrives in full sun and reflected heat in lean, fast-draining native soil, making it a no-irrigation choice for front yards, slopes, and native cactus gardens. Break through caliche so water never stands at the roots. It is not a fit right beside walkways, patios, or play areas, since the glochids catch skin and clothing: give it at least 3 ft of clearance.

Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 42874922267

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell herbicide for prickly pear cactus

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.6 ★★★★★
Based on 10 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
L
Verified Purchase
L. W.
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Big hit
Format: Paperback
A really fun collection for the young fans of the annual Simpsons Treehouse of Horror shows. My child is a little on the young (8) side for a Simpsons fan but thoroughly enjoyed this collection.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2010
J
Jarred Blackburn
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror Heebie-Jeebie Hullabaloo
Format: Paperback
The essential companion for anyone celebrating Halloween – Simpsons style! Now Simpsons fans can trick or treat along with their favourite family with this compendium of tips and features, including how to monster–proof your room, how to tell if your babysitter is a witch, and how all the citizens of Springfield celebrate Halloween. Plus, they'll enjoy three complete issues of Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror comics. The Simpsons is the 12th–most–watched show among all age groups, and the longest–running animated television serries ever with more than 200 episodes. The highly anticipated Halloween show is The Simpsonsߨighest rated episode each year. Boo!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 22, 2018
T
Tom Crawford
Massapequa, US
★★★★★ 5
A must have for any Simpsons fan
Format: Paperback
For those of you who are fans of the hit television show "The Simpsons", you are probably well acquainted with the legendary "Treehouse of Horror" episodes that have become a Halloween tradition. These episodes have proven to be such a seasonal favorite that Groening and the gang have decided to dish out even more tales of terror in "Bart Simpson's Treehouse of Horror: Heebie-Jeebie Hullabaloo". Hullabaloo is a collection of comics and sketches that cleverly capture the humor and style of the Simpsons Halloween specials. Much like the television version, the main stories in Hullabaloo are parodies of famous horror films. The first story in the book is a parody of the classic horror film "The Blob". In the sketch, Simpsons character Sideshow Bob takes an experimental treatment that transforms him into "Sideshow Blob". Seizing the opportunity to take revenge on his nemesis Bart, Sideshow Blob squeezes out of prison and wreaks havoc on Springfield. After Springfield is saved from "Sideshow Blob", they barely have time to recover before Lisa becomes possessed by the evil spirit of Madonna in "The Exorsister", a combo-parody of the infamous "Exorcist" and the even more infamous Madonna. The book continues with additional parodies of films such as "Little Shop of Horrors", "The Invasion of the Body Snatchers", and "Cat People". In between the main features of the book are a plethora of comics, guides, and stories hosted by and featuring an assortment of Springfield characters. One of these guides features everyone's favorite slack-jawed yokel, Cletus Del Roy. Cletus presents to us "A Yokels Guide to Halloween" which teaches us how to celebrate Halloween like "Edgar Allan" Poe white trash. Another extra features Bart's "Guide to Low-Budget Costumes" which shows you how to cheaply transform yourself into horrid monsters such as "Vaselino, The Thing That Wouldn't Dry". You'll also find the story of "Elijah Dunn and the One-Armed Nun", Evil Dr. Burn's "Goodtime Servant Factory", "Springfield in Hell", and much, much more. Hullabaloo is colorful, fun, entertaining, and just in time for Halloween. The comical cast breathes sarcasm and humor into favorite horror classics. If you are a fan of the Simpsons and Halloween, then this book will not disappoint you.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on January 15, 2003
S
Verified Purchase
Sabre
Houston, US
★★★★★ 4
Graphic Novel Review
Format: Paperback
I can say this comic is great though can't match the Simpsons TV show at least that is what I'm thinking. Still liked the stories has ones like Lisa getting possessed by Maddona and Sideshow Bob turning into a blob. Would recommend this to any Simpsons fan thought they could get a place in TV but that's jumping the gun.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2014
R
"rhino86oo"
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
My Review...
Format: Paperback
This is a great addition to the Simpsons' book family. It is just like the show, but you can spend as much time reading it as you want. I think this book is extermly fuuny. I have read pretty much every Simpsons' book and this is worth being next with them. I love how the Simpsons' comedy is different than other cartoons and even shows. The comedy is not always dark but it is not always light either. "Little Shop of Homers" was a great finisher. I wish it would of been longer, but it is OK. As with most people, one of my favorite parts in the Simpsons' comics are the in between things. For example, "Moe's Guide To Superstitions", "Bart Simpson-Master Of Disguise presents The Quick 'N' Easy, Low-Budget Do-It-Yourself Guide To COOL COSTUMES". Well, that is all I can really say. I suggest Simpson fans should read this. Keep them coming and I will keep reading.. Have A Nice LiFE! Ryan
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on September 12, 2000

recommand products