Eastern Prickly Pear

Opuntia humifusa

Eastern Prickly Pear is a perennial for focal point, groundcover, suited to full sun and sandy soil, flowering Jun, Jul.

Where to use it in a border

At around 30 cm, it sits best toward the back of a border, or on its own as a focal point with room around it. Give it about 90 cm of room to spread. It is hardy across USDA zones 4a to 9b, so check it suits your area before planting.

It appears in our lists of full sun, sandy soil, evergreen plants, pollinator-friendly plants, pet-safe plants.

Border Builder uses Eastern Prickly Pear's height, spread, soil, bloom months and companions to place it in a full border plan for your own conditions, on iPhone and iPad.

Flowering through the year

Worth knowing

• Evergreen, so it keeps the border furnished through winter.
• Its flowers are valued by bees and other pollinators.

Good companions

Plants that share its conditions and style, chosen to complement its place in the border:

• Angelita Daisyto edge in front
• Autumn Sagefor height behind it
• Bear Grassfor height behind it
• Black Daleato edge in front
• Black Sagefor height behind it
• Blackfoot Daisyto edge in front

Garden styles

Modern Native Xeriscape (low-water)