this is a santa rita prickly pear cactus Buy Purple Prickly Pear Phoenix, AZ | Opuntia santa-rita
SKU: 76868800346
this is a santa rita prickly pear cactus

this is a santa rita prickly pear cactus Buy Purple Prickly Pear Phoenix, AZ | Opuntia santa-rita

Sale price$25.65 Regular price$28.50
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $7.12 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Jul 1 - Jul 6

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

this is a santa rita 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: 76868800346

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell this is a santa rita prickly pear cactus

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.4 ★★★★★
Based on 2010 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
M
Verified Purchase
Mohawkahontas on IG
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 3
Just an OKAY Moisturizer, That's it.
I think this is a good moisturizer, as far as anything else it claims such as an even skin tone, I wouldn’t agree. I used the bottle and didn’t notice any changes in my skin and blemish appearance. It’s not too thick and it’s not greasy. I will say I had a successful run with brightening my inner thighs. I added this to the mix, and for some reason, I began chafing leaving Little bumps in my inner thighs that turned into 50-60 dark spots 😭 I’ve never had a problem with chafing or dark spots from bumps in my inner thighs before. I’m not sure if it because I was using it in conjunction with something else it caused issues. I would recommend it as a lotion, but that’s it.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 14, 2026
M
Verified Purchase
Ms Isa Living Agelessly
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Absolutely Love It – Deep Hydration That Lasts!
Size: 8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
The Dove Body Cream Serum with Hyaluronic + Hydration has quickly become my go-to for tackling extra dry, flaky skin — and I absolutely love it! 💧 Deep, Lasting Hydration: From the first use, my skin felt instantly hydrated — and what’s even better? That hydration actually lasts throughout the day. No more reapplying! 🧴 Lightweight & Non-Sticky: It goes on smoothly, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave that greasy or sticky feeling — just soft, nourished skin. 🌿 Skin-Loving Ingredients: With pro-ceramides, niacinamide, and collagen peptides, it feels more like a high-end skincare product than a typical lotion. My skin looks visibly healthier, more even-toned, and has a soft glow. ✨ Bonus: It’s gentle enough for daily use and has a clean, fresh scent that’s not overpowering. If you’re dealing with extra dry or flaky skin and want something that works and feels luxurious, this is it. Dove nailed it with this one — hydration, comfort, and glow in one bottle. #DoveBodyCare #HydrationThatLasts #SoftHealthySkin #DrySkinSolution #SkincareMustHave #GlowUpWithDove
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
Margaret
Dallas, US
★★★★★ 5
Soft Skin All Day Without That Greasy Feel
Size: 8 Ounce (Pack of 1), Size: 8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
My skin is dry and tends to get ashy, and after showering it can look worse, especially on my hands, elbows, knees, and heels. I apply this while my skin is still slightly damp. It goes on creamy but absorbs quickly, so I don’t get that greasy or sticky feeling some lotions or body creams leave behind. I can get dressed right away without waiting. It keeps my skin looking and feeling hydrated all day without needing to reapply. The scent is light and clean, nothing strong or overpowering. If your skin is severely dry or cracked, you may need something thicker. For my dryness, this does the job. It’s the one bottle I reach for every day.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 24, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
Tee
Natrona Heights, US
★★★★★ 5
Love this lotion
Size: 8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
Good value for the money, there isn't a strong fragrance (which I like) and Ive noticed the difference in my skin ,it looks and feels soft and hydrated. I will buy again.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Alena Cooper
Phoenix, US
★★★★★ 5
Disliked at first, ended up LOVING!
Size: 8 Ounce (Pack of 1)
UPDATE: I actually ended up loving this product once I started treating it as a first layer serum. I use a very small amount, let it soak in for a minute or two, and then layer a body lotion over it. Using it that way gives me the softest skim (even on rough dry areas like elbows) and it totally takes away any sticky/tacky feeling! I don’t quite know how to feel about this product. It is hands down one of the most hydrating body lotions around and immediately after application skin does feel silky and smooth. It causes no irritation and has almost no scent. However the longer it is on the more tacky and sticky it gets- even dabbing extra off with a towel does not help. It is particularly bad on the hands, I literally could not stand it because it felt like I had partially dried glue all over my hands. Strangely the one place this lotion works on is my feet and it really helps with any dryness (I’m an avid walker and hiker so my feet get dry). I would not purchase again because I can’t use it anywhere else. I wish it stayed feeling like it does immediately after application because I bet it would help skin look and feel smoother with continued use, but unless the formula changes to something that isn’t tacky and sticky it is basically worthless. Unless you want to purchase as a foot cream!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on July 16, 2025

recommand products