Beaverita Prickly Pear

Plant Type: perennial, low-growing shrubby prickly pear cactus
Plant Height: 1–2 feet (can reach 3 feet in maturity)
Spread: 3–5 feet
Flower Color: bright magenta-pink
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Beaverita Prickly Pear / Opuntia basilaris × violacea: A Rare Hybrid of Silvery Elegance and Vivid Desert Color

Opuntia basilaris × violacea, commonly known as the Beaverita Prickly Pear, is a stunning natural or cultivated hybrid between two beloved desert species: the Beavertail Prickly Pear (O. basilaris) and the Santa Rita Prickly Pear (O. violacea). The result is an exceptionally beautiful cactus with the silky, spineless texture of Beavertail and the lavender-to-purple coloration of Santa Rita, creating a landscape showpiece that blends softness, structure, and color like few other desert plants can. This hybrid thrives in Arizona’s sun-drenched climate, offering both ornamental appeal and rugged resilience.

Key Features of Opuntia basilaris × violacea

The Beaverita forms broad, paddle-shaped pads that range in color from powdery blue-green to violet-gray, often deepening to rich purple hues in cooler temperatures or under drought stress. Unlike many prickly pears, its pads are mostly spineless, covered instead with tiny clusters of fine glochids that give them a smooth, velvety appearance.

In spring through early summer, the plant produces brilliant magenta-pink flowers along the upper edges of the pads, each bloom lasting several days and often appearing in clusters. These vivid blossoms contrast beautifully with the soft purple pads, creating one of the most striking floral displays of any Opuntia species. After flowering, small reddish fruits may form, adding additional seasonal interest.

The Beaverita Prickly Pear is compact yet spreading, forming low mounds that accent rock gardens and desert beds with sculptural grace.

Growing and Care Tips

Opuntia basilaris × violacea thrives in full sun and sharply draining soil, making it an ideal candidate for the hottest, driest parts of the yard. In the Phoenix Valley, it performs best when planted on a slope, berm, or raised bed, where water drains quickly away from the root zone.
During the first 3–4 months, water deeply every 14–21 days to encourage root development, then reduce watering as it becomes established. Once mature, this hybrid can survive long dry periods, requiring little to no supplemental irrigation.

It is cold hardy to about 15°F, tolerating occasional frost without harm. Over time, it may form dense mats several feet wide. Avoid overhead watering, as trapped moisture on the pads can cause spotting. Minimal pruning is needed—just remove damaged or discolored pads as necessary.

For container growing, use a wide, shallow pot filled with gritty cactus mix, sand, and pumice for optimal drainage.

Landscaping Uses

The Beaverita Prickly Pear is a landscape designer’s dream—a low-maintenance plant that combines rare color with elegant form. Its lavender pads and magenta flowers provide spectacular contrast when paired with Golden Barrel Cactus, Blue Glow Agave, or Desert Spoon (Dasylirion wheeleri).
Use it to soften the edges of boulder groupings, line walkways, or fill out rock gardens with a cool, calming palette. It’s equally suited to modern minimalist landscapes and natural desert gardens. The absence of large spines also makes it more approachable for residential and courtyard settings.

In bloom, its magenta flowers catch sunlight and draw pollinators, turning a quiet garden corner into a vivid focal point.

Summary

The Beaverita Prickly Pear (Opuntia basilaris × violacea) is a rare and exquisite hybrid that blends the best traits of its parents—color, texture, and toughness. With its velvety purple pads, stunning magenta flowers, and exceptional drought tolerance, it’s both subtle and spectacular. Perfect for Arizona’s desert landscapes, it brings softness, sophistication, and year-round beauty to any setting.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Opuntia basilaris × violacea Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun; select an open site with 8+ hours of direct light daily. Thrives in reflected heat and exposed desert conditions.
Soil: Use sharply draining soil—blend decomposed granite, sand, and cactus mix for ideal texture. Avoid high-organic or compact soils.
Spacing: Allow 3–5 feet between plants or structures to accommodate mature spread and airflow.
Planting Depth: Keep pads level with or slightly above the soil surface. Do not bury pads too deeply; shallow planting aids faster rooting.
Support: None required; plant naturally stabilizes within weeks under warm conditions.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting: Water deeply once after installation to settle the soil. Then let it dry fully before watering again. During the first 3–4 months, water every 14–21 days depending on temperature and soil drainage.
When is the Plant Established? The Beaverita Prickly Pear is considered established after 6–9 months when new pad growth appears and color deepens to purple-gray.
Watering Once Established: Water every 4–6 weeks in summer if no rainfall occurs. In winter, water only during extended drought or not at all.
Drip Irrigation Setup: Install one low-flow emitter (1 gallon per hour) about 12–18 inches from the base, angled outward. Run sparingly and allow complete drying between cycles.
General Watering Tips: Always confirm soil dryness before watering. Overwatering can cause pad shriveling or root rot. A top dressing of decomposed granite or gravel enhances color contrast, promotes airflow, and completes the natural desert aesthetic. Keep material several inches from the base for long-term plant health.