Opuntia humifusa ‘Bieck’

Optunia humifusa ‘Bieck’. A hardy cactus that grows quite well in Wisconsin and even further north! Native to almost all states bordering the Mississippi River and east. This cactus has the paddle shaped stems with small pokers. Flowers are bright yellow and about 1.5″ to 2″ in diameter and bloom in June here in Wisconsin. Flowering can be quite heavy and the plants are quite showy when in bloom. After flowering, plants grow fruit that turns red as the season progresses. Grows only to about 6″, as the paddles often lay flat on the ground. In late fall the plants reduce the amount of water in their paddles and become wrinkled and desiccated in appearance. During the month of May the plants rehydrate and become plump before the onset of new growth and flowering. No special care is needed, but they do best in full sun and a well drained area. Ours grow on clay next to boulders in an exposed area. This hardy cactus is perfect conversation piece that will grow well in hot dry places that other plants do not flourish. My aunt grew it between a driveway and a rock wall. Try it in a rock garden or along a brick patio. We send bare root plants (these don’t ever make big root systems). Shipped July through October 15.