COLD HARDY
PLANTS
Growers and Breeders of Unusual Cold Hardy
Plants |
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Opuntia macrorhiza
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Quantity
of plants tested: 3
Size of plant tested: single pads placed in the
ground in April 2000.
Soil texture: sandy loam covered with yellow river stone.
When planted: the plants were planted in the ground in April 2000.
Winter protection: no protection.
Microclimate: warm microclimate, approximately 4 feet off a
south facing wall.
Temperature: refer to 2000-2001 winters on this chart
Findings: the plant has done well and has not been damaged so
far. This cactus is different from others since it will have two
flushes of growth per season (one of the new pads which forms in April/May
will produce pads in July through September. |
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June
3, 2000 - This photo shows the pads only two months after placing into
the ground. Notice the new pads emerging now.. |
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August
19, 2000 - here's the plant as of August 19, 2000. The
plant has many new growth points. Notice that the large spins are
just emerging now. |
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November
20, 2000 - here's the status as of November 20, 2000.
Notice how the pads are deflated in preparation to the winter cold. |
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Mid
May 2001 - this photo shows the plant in Mid May 2001 with flowers
opening and many buds still not opened. |
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June
3, 2001 - this photo shows one of the flowers on of June 3, 2001. Flowers open for one day, but there are so many the flower
show lasts for weeks. |
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December
1, 2001 - this photo shows the red fruits in early winter. They
are very attractive, almost like red flowers. |
