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Opuntia fragilis 'Black Cat'

Ball Cactus

Plant Type:

ARID LAND PLANTS

Opuntia fragilis ‘Black Cat’ – ​Glossy dark spines decorate this ball-type cactus. Yellow flowers over the long dark spines in late spring to early summer are in beautiful contrast. 'Black Cat' was found in Grand Junction, Colorado. Our cacti are offered by the pad, a specified number per single purchase / price. Our cacti are potted in our 3.5-inch square size. Cutting grown.


Height:

6 in

Spread:

15 in

Colors:

Yellow

Zone:

4 to 7(8?)
What is my hardiness zone?

Characteristics and Attributes for Opuntia fragilis 'Black Cat'

Season of Interest (Flowering)

  • Late Spring / Early Summer

Season of Interest (Foliage)

  • Four Seasons

Nature Attraction

  • Honey Bees & Native Bees
  • Deer Resistant

Light

  • Full Sun

Attributes

  • Drought Tolerant
  • Evergreen
  • Specimen
  • Potted Plant
  • Rock Garden
  • Accent

Growth Rate in the Garden

  • Medium

Soil

  • Scrabbled
  • Sandy
  • Draining
  • Calcareous
  • Impoverished

Origins

  • Western U.S.

Propagated By

  • Bare Root
  • Division

Genus Overview: Cacti

Common Name: Cactus

All cacti are architectonic naturals settled into a stone and gravel garden. Hardy cacti require full sun in very well-drained conditions – this is especially true when planted in the damp, humid eastern U.S. John Spain, guru to cacti growers in New England and beyond, has amended his growing mix to 90% sand and crushed stone to 10% good compost. Raised beds or planting on a south-facing slope are very helpful; low lying areas that hold onto moisture between rains are an anathema to cacti culture. In that there are fungi that can ravage colonies we are offering cultivars that have been completely or relatively disease-free in northeastern Connecticut. Beware the glochids!!! Those are the nexi where the spines emerge. Handle all with care for even those that are spineless can inflict little fiber optic-like hairs which when stuck in the skin may drive you crazy for as long as a week! When cleaning up or propagating I arm myself with my handy Felco pruners in one hand and pliers in the other – for all you classic 50s sci-fi buffs, a modern day Robby the Robot!