Hardy Cactus Opuntia in Hardy Cactus Opuntia

By Cinta
October 10, 2014

If you live with snow a few months a year and yearn to have a desert garden but think it is not possible, think again: It is possible. There are many cacti that are cold hardy down to -30 degrees, but I will discuss mainly Opuntia cactus planting, designs, and companion plants that will give the appearance of a desert garden. There are numerous hardy Opuntia cacti that are hardy to -30 degrees and will survive under a foot of snow. When spring arrives for us northern gardeners, the opuntias usually are lying flat and may look dead, but they will plump up and reward you with 4" - 6" peony-form flowers in colors of yellow, pink, peach, and red in June-July.

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DavidLMO

Nov 18, 2015 10:52 AM CST

Name: David Laderoute
Zone 5B/6 - NW MO (Zone 5b)
Ignoring Zones altogether

William said:Although I would feel a bit sorry for it, it would be most satisfying to see how in the world a Swedish deer, hungry for an exotic meal, would approach an Opuntia

A couple of Winters ago, I had Deer come thru and clear cut a lot of stuff. A young Royal Star Magnolia from ~ 2 feet to 2 inches. That one ticked me off. And of all things a Holly from a couple of feet also to a couple of inches. I could not imagine what that poor deer's tongue looked like after that. Hasn't touched it since.

Deer are also the reason I no longer plant Tulips. They will decimate them.

Seeking Feng Shui with my plants since 1976

| @DavidLMO | Post #991401 (1)

Cinta

Nov 18, 2015 3:31 PM CST

Name: aud/odd
Pennsylvania (Zone 6b)

Do not get me started on the deer. They eat everything that is said to be deer resistant. I cannot plant the opuntia in the back area of the property they will eat them and the thorns must not bother them.

They have ate Daffodils something I thought they say is poison. Someone should tell my deer.

http://smg.photobucket.com/alb...

| @Cinta | Post #991557 (2)

William

Nov 20, 2015 2:24 PM CST

Sweden

Oh no, the deer ate your Opuntia

And I thought I was so clever. But this is actually very good to know, thank you.

I do know the tastes of deer vary wildly and I have noticed deer eating or at least tasting a few things that are supposedly poisonous to them, especially during winter and spring when they are starving. The question then is how much of a toxic plant that is actually fatal. Maybe they need to eat a large amount.

| @William | Post #992656 (3)

Cinta

Nov 20, 2015 6:48 PM CST

Name: aud/odd
Pennsylvania (Zone 6b)

Yes. I had a rocky area in the back that nothing grows. I put them back there they bloomed they were beautiful for two years. Then I watched the deer back there all winter and in the Spring I saw they had ate every one that was in that garden.

I do not have a small nibble deer problem I have herds that come to my yard for breakfast lunch, dinner, Wedding Receptions, and all round Special Event restaurant. The 8' fence does not stop them. The fence was put in by the previous owner because there was an Olympic size swimming pool back there, which I promptly closed, but the 8' fence stayed.

http://smg.photobucket.com/alb...

| @Cinta | Post #992796 (4)

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