3 Winter Hardy Prickly Pear Cacti (Opuntia): Grow in well-drained, bright, sunny spot. Handle with care as there are many thorns - the big ones hurt the most. But small ones will stick in your skin like a sliver. 1. **Opuntia cymochila (Plains Prickly Pear or Dune Prickly Pear) 2. **Opuntia cespitosa (Eastern Prickly Pear) 3. **Opuntia humifusa (Devil's Tongue or Eastern Prickly Pear) 1. **Opuntia cymochila (Plains Prickly Pear or Dune Prickly Pear) It?s native to the central United States** - **Height Growing Habits**: This low-growing cactus reaches about 4 to 8 inches in height and forms dense mats that can spread several feet wide. Its pads are typically small, rounded, and have fewer spines compared to some other prickly pears. - **Bloom Time**: *Opuntia cymochila* typically blooms from late spring to early summer, with pale yellow flowers sometimes showing a slight blush of red at the base. 2. **Opuntia cespitosa (Eastern Prickly Pear) commonly found in the southeastern United States. ** - **Height Growing Habits**: This species grows 6 to 12 inches tall and has a spreading, clumping habit, often forming clusters of pads. It?s hardy and resilient, tolerating various soil types and climates. - **Bloom Time**: It blooms in early to mid-summer, showcasing vibrant gold flowers with striking red centers. 3. **Opuntia humifusa (Devil's Tongue or Eastern Prickly Pear) Native in the eastern and central U.S and including Ontario. ** - **Height Growing Habits**: Generally reaches up to 6?12 inches tall, though it can sometimes grow slightly taller. This cactus spreads horizontally, creating wide mats, and adapts well to various soil conditions, including sandy and rocky soils. - **Bloom Time**: Blooming occurs from late spring to early summer, producing bright yellow flowers that last a few weeks. -GROWING FROM PADS**: Let the pad callus over for 1?2 days, then place it in a well-draining mix (cactus soil or sandy loam). Water sparingly, as the pad establishes roots over several weeks. Each of these *Opuntia* species thrives in full sun, well-draining soil, and needs little water once established. Normal shipping for this item is Canada Post Expedited Parcel- has Tracking =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Add this item to your cart and keep shopping at https://www.ebay.ca/usr/okiger-2i55iwk =s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s=s==s=s=s=s=s=s=s= Shipping of Seeds and Cuttings: Orders are shipped via Canada Post Mail unless otherwise specified. Some items are shipped without tracking to keep costs low. This is the most economical option. Canada Post is incredibly reliable, but can be slow. If you require tracking or a faster delivery please message before ordering. We try to ship any live plants on MONDAYS or TUESDAYS as a precautionary measure to avoid delays over the weekend and ensure the viability of live plant orders. Weather may be a contributing factor in the processing of our orders and will occasionally cause some delay. We will ship seeds anywhere in the world, however, please make sure you check with your country's customs office to be sure that they are allowed in. We will not be held responsible for orders held, confiscated and/or destroyed by customs. Please note this and make sure you understand before you buy it. If you have a question or if you are unclear about shipping policies please contact us. We welcome questions! Contact us before, after, or during any transaction and you will receive a reply ASAP. Thanks for visiting! Don't forget to bookmark us!