Kelly's Choice

Plant Type: perennial, shrubby prickly pear cactus (hybrid)
Plant Height: 2–3 feet (can reach 4 feet in maturity)
Spread: 4–6 feet
Flower Color: vivid coral-pink to peach with golden undertones
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Kelly’s Choice / Opuntia ‘Kelly’s Choice’: A Rare Hybrid of Soft Color and Strong Desert Character

Opuntia ‘Kelly’s Choice’ is an exceptional hybrid prickly pear celebrated for its luminous coral-pink flowers and graceful, spineless pads. Bred as part of the famed Chiffon hybrid series, this variety combines the beauty of pastel-toned blooms with the toughness of classic desert prickly pears. In the Arizona landscape, it provides a glowing, elegant presence—its flowers unfolding in warm shades of pink, peach, and gold that shift subtly with the light. Durable, heat-loving, and nearly maintenance-free, Kelly’s Choice is the perfect blend of color, structure, and resilience.

Key Features of Opuntia ‘Kelly’s Choice’

Kelly’s Choice forms dense, rounded mounds of smooth, oval pads that are blue-green to soft gray-green, occasionally blushing purple in cool temperatures. The pads are largely spineless, though small clusters of fine glochids may be present near the areoles. In spring through early summer, it produces a profusion of large, double-petaled flowers in shades of coral-pink, salmon, and peach with golden throats—among the most refined color palettes of any Opuntia hybrid.

The flowers bloom in waves, often opening over a 2–3 week period, transforming the plant into a brilliant mass of warm desert tones. Following bloom, small red fruits develop, adding subtle seasonal interest and attracting birds and pollinators.

Compact, clumping growth and an open, airy structure make Kelly’s Choice an ideal selection for mid-sized desert beds, courtyards, or modern xeriscape designs that emphasize color and texture.

Growing and Care Tips

Opuntia ‘Kelly’s Choice’ thrives in full sun and well-draining soil, performing beautifully in the heat and reflected light of the Phoenix Valley. It tolerates poor soils, drought, and neglect once established, making it an easy-care addition to any landscape.

Water deeply and infrequently during its first growing season—about every 14–21 days depending on heat and drainage. Once established, it can subsist on natural rainfall, though occasional deep watering during prolonged drought will encourage blooming.

This variety is cold hardy to around 10–15°F and heat-tolerant to well over 110°F. Pads may develop a purple blush in winter or under drought stress, adding seasonal interest. Minimal pruning is needed; remove damaged or aged pads as desired using tongs or gloves.

For containers, select a wide, shallow pot with gritty cactus mix and excellent drainage.

Landscaping Uses

Kelly’s Choice offers rare softness and color to desert gardens, bringing a gentle yet vibrant look to hard-edged spaces. It’s perfect for accent plantings, rock gardens, poolside borders, and desert courtyards, where its colorful blooms can be fully appreciated.

Pair it with Blue Glow Agave, Silver Torch Cactus (Cleistocactus strausii), or Golden Barrel Cactus for balanced visual contrast. The warm coral and gold tones of its flowers harmonize beautifully with sandstone, travertine, or decomposed granite, making it an excellent complement to both modern and traditional Southwest architecture.

Because of its spineless nature, it’s also a great choice for family-friendly spaces, patios, and high-traffic areas where safety and aesthetics are both priorities.

Summary

The Kelly’s Choice Prickly Pear (Opuntia ‘Kelly’s Choice’) is a refined desert hybrid that blends soft pastel beauty with classic Sonoran toughness. Its glowing coral blooms, smooth pads, and graceful form make it one of the most decorative and approachable cacti for Arizona gardens. Whether used as a standalone specimen, a mass planting, or a container accent, Kelly’s Choice adds color, warmth, and sophistication—embodying the perfect harmony between desert resilience and timeless elegance.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Opuntia ‘Kelly’s Choice’ Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun; choose a location with 8+ hours of direct light daily. Handles reflected heat and full desert exposure with ease.
Soil: Use sharply draining soil composed of cactus mix, decomposed granite, and sand or pumice. Avoid compact or high-clay soils.
Spacing: Allow 4–6 feet between plants or nearby structures to accommodate mature spread and ensure airflow.
Planting Depth: Keep pads level with or slightly above soil grade to prevent rot. Avoid deep planting.
Support: None required; pads root and stabilize naturally under warm, dry conditions.

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting: Water deeply once after installation to settle soil. Then allow soil to dry completely before watering again. During the first 3–4 months, water every 14–21 days depending on heat and soil drainage.
When is the Plant Established? Kelly’s Choice is considered established after 6–9 months, once new pads begin forming and flowering is consistent.
Watering Once Established: Water every 4–6 weeks during summer if no rainfall occurs. In winter, watering is rarely necessary.
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 again. Overwatering can lead to pad rot or discoloration. A top dressing of decomposed granite or fine gravel enhances drainage, stabilizes soil temperature, and complements the plant’s colors. Keep gravel several inches away from the base for airflow and long-term health.