Prickly Pear Cactus
Opuntia austrina
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Jun 14, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Prickly Pear Cactus
Opuntia austrina is a Florida-endemic prickly pear cactus found throughout the peninsula, featuring flattened paddle-shaped pads armed with spines and barbed glochids. It produces bright yellow flowers in spring and summer, followed by edible red-purple fruits that attract birds and pollinators. An excellent drought-tolerant, low-maintenance native for xeriscaping, wildlife gardens, and naturalistic NE Florida landscapes. Starting at $9.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- Yellow
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Requires full sun for best growth and flowering. In NE Florida, site in a hot, open location with excellent air circulation; Opuntia austrina is a Florida endemic well suited to the region's sandy, sunny conditions.
Highly drought-tolerant once established; water sparingly and only during prolonged dry spells. Overwatering in Florida's rainy season encourages root and stem rot — ensure planting site drains rapidly.
Thrives in NE Florida's deep, sandy, well-drained soils; poor soil is preferred. Avoid amended, rich soils which promote soft, pest-prone growth. Fertilizer is generally unnecessary.
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Common questions
Is Prickly Pear Cactus a good plant for St. Augustine?
Prickly Pear Cactus is a succulent for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with high salt tolerance, reaching 2-3 feet × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.