Growers and Breeders of Unusual Cold Hardy Plants
Opuntia "Santa Rita"
Size of plant tested: single pad placed in the ground in June 1999.
Soil texture: sandy loam covered with yellowish stone.
When planted: the plants were planted in the ground in June 1999 as an unrooted cutting.
Winter protection: no protection.
Microclimate: warm microclimate, approximately 4 feet off a south facing wall.
Temperature: refer to 1999-2000 winters on this chart
Findings: the plant died. It did well until temperatures dropped to 5F, or perhaps it didn't like being snow covered for a week. It died the first week in February.
