Snowball

Plant Type: perennial, shrubby prickly pear cactus (hybrid)
Plant Height: 2–3 feet (can reach 4 feet in maturity)
Spread: 3–5 feet
Flower Color: vivid magenta-pink
Sun Exposure: Full sun

Snowball / Opuntia rhodantha ‘Snowball’: A Frosted Desert Beauty with Vivid Blooms and Silky White Spines

Opuntia rhodantha ‘Snowball’ is a striking hybrid prickly pear prized for its brilliant magenta-pink blooms and dense coat of pure white spines that give the plant a frosted, snow-covered appearance year-round. A refined selection of the hardy Red Prickly Pear (Opuntia rhodantha), Snowball brings an extraordinary combination of texture, color, and resilience to Arizona landscapes. It’s as durable as it is decorative—able to handle both freezing winters and scorching summers while maintaining its distinctive silvery-white glow.

Key Features of Opuntia rhodantha ‘Snowball’

The Snowball Prickly Pear forms compact, upright clumps of rounded to oval pads densely covered in silky white spines that radiate light and create an almost fuzzy look from a distance. Beneath the spines, the pads are blue-green to gray-green, providing a soft, cool backdrop for the plant’s vibrant spring and summer blooms.

In late spring through early summer, the plant erupts with large, deep magenta-pink flowers, each bloom opening for several days and contrasting brilliantly with the white spines. The floral display is dazzling—especially when sunlight catches the spines and petals simultaneously. After flowering, small reddish fruits appear, adding texture and visual interest into late summer.

This cactus grows slowly but steadily, forming rounded mounds that blend beauty and toughness—a perfect fit for Arizona’s arid landscapes.

Growing and Care Tips

Opuntia rhodantha ‘Snowball’ thrives in full sun and well-draining soil. It performs exceptionally well on slopes, berms, or raised beds where drainage is maximized. In the Phoenix Valley, it tolerates intense sunlight, reflected heat, and low humidity with ease.

During establishment, water deeply every 14–21 days depending on soil and temperature. Once rooted, the plant becomes extremely drought-tolerant, requiring water only once every 4–6 weeks in the hottest months and rarely in winter. Avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot or pad shriveling.

This variety is cold hardy to around 0°F and thrives equally well in the low or high desert. Pruning is rarely needed—remove only damaged or crowded pads. Handle with care, as the fine white spines can easily detach and irritate skin.

In containers, use a wide, shallow pot with a gritty cactus mix or decomposed granite blend.

Landscaping Uses

The Snowball Prickly Pear brings contrast, texture, and brilliance to desert gardens. Its snow-white spines provide a visual coolness that complements the warm desert palette of golds, oranges, and browns. It’s perfect for rock gardens, accent plantings, and modern desert landscapes, where its glowing form adds brightness even in partial shade.

Pair it with Blue Glow Agave, Golden Barrel Cactus, or Firecracker Penstemon for striking color contrast. Its compact form also makes it ideal for courtyard beds, raised planters, and container displays, where the delicate interplay of light on its white spines can be appreciated up close.

When in bloom, the combination of hot pink flowers against white spines creates one of the most dramatic displays in the desert landscape—truly living art.

Summary

The Snowball Prickly Pear (Opuntia rhodantha ‘Snowball’) is a rare, show-stopping hybrid that blends color, resilience, and sculptural beauty. Its creamy white spines, radiant pink blooms, and year-round texture make it a standout for Arizona gardens. Durable, cold-hardy, and low-maintenance, Snowball delivers elegance and strength in one compact, luminous package—proof that the desert’s toughest plants can also be its most graceful.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow):

Opuntia rhodantha ‘Snowball’ Planting Guide:

Location: Full sun; choose an open site with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Handles reflected heat and exposed desert conditions easily.
Soil: Use a sharply draining cactus mix with decomposed granite, coarse sand, or pumice. Avoid clay or compacted 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 soil grade. Do not bury pad joints or cover the base with mulch.
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 it to dry fully before watering again. During the first 3–4 months, water every 14–21 days depending on temperature and drainage.
When is the Plant Established? The Snowball Prickly Pear is considered established after 6–9 months, once new pads form and color remains bright white year-round.
Watering Once Established: Water every 4–6 weeks during summer if no rainfall occurs. In winter, water only during extended drought.
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 lead to rot or weak pad development. A top dressing of decomposed granite or gravel enhances drainage, accentuates the white spines, and creates a crisp, professional finish. Keep gravel several inches from the base for airflow and long-term health.