1 Retail listings 2012 by USDA zone, as of April 5 ... - Cistus Nursery

Retail listings 2012 by USDA zone, as of April 5 - please check for current availability
Opuntia basilaris 'Peachy' beavertail cactus
This beavertail cactus, a native from the Mohave desert of California into northern Sonora, was given to us
from an old Albuquerque garden and has been one of the best performers. Attractive clumps, from 3-4 ft wide
and 18” in height, with 6” pads of powdery blue-tinted-pink, burgundy in winter, and, indeed, peachy pink
flowers in spring and early summer. Though a clone more tolerant of garden water, they still prefer welldrained,
gritty soil, especially where winters are wet …and an occasional thunderstorm, artificial or not, in dry
summer climates. Frost hardy in USDA zone 4.
4D @ $12, 2g @ $12 Cactaceae
Opuntia compressa - Indiana collection eastern prickly pear
Collected on stable sand dunes in southern Indiana and given to us some years ago, this is a native of the
eastern and central states. Five inch, rounded pads of bright green spread to fairly dense clumps, to about 6”
high and 3 ft across in as many years. Chartreuse and yellow flowers appear in mid summer. These moisture
tolerant cacti also tolerate drought; they need sun and an open spot to grow. Very good container or rock
garden plants spilling nicely over any edges. Frost hardy to -30F or lower, USDA zone 4.
6in @ $16 Cactaceae
Opuntia fragilis SBH 6778 brittle prickly pear
Lovely compact form, Sean's collection from the dry hills east of Ashland, Oregon. To only 4” or so. Slow to
bloom but when they do, the flower color is deep, chartreuse-yellow. This one is capable of withstanding any
amount of winter moisture -- short of submersion. Frost hardy in at least USDA zone 4.
4in @ $7 Cactaceae
Opuntia humifusa prickly pear
A robust ground covering prickly pear, native to much of the eastern and southern US, as far west as
Oklahoma with nearly spineless green pads to 6 to 10" in height topped with bright yellow flowers and, in
summer and autumn, red fruit. The pads dehydrate in autumn pulling themselves flat to the ground. Useful in
containers or as spillers. Part to full sun. USDA zone 4, possibly 3.
1g @ $14 Cactaceae
Opuntia humifusa - dwarf from Claude Barr
This early selection by Great Plains plantsman Claude Barr grows to only 5-6" in height but forms a rather
dense mat of rounded, shiny green and nearly spineless pads to about 3 ft wide. Cheery yellow flowers appear
in summer followed by reddish fruit. Fabulous for planters or as spillers and easy to grow in most soil
provided there is no standing water. Some summer water helps to push growth. Frost hardy in USDA zone 3
or 4.
4D @ $12 Cactaceae
Cistus Nursery ◆ 22711 NW Gillihan Rd ◆ Portland, OR 97231 ◆ (503) 621-2233 ◆ info@cistus.com
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