Opuntia Santa Rita is an upright, bushy succulent shrub characterized by its colorful, fleshy pads, which turn a rich purple in winter. With warmer temperatures, they return to a soft blue-gray. In spring, large, multi-petaled yellow flowers appear, creating a stunning contrast with the purple pads.Common Names: Santa Rita Prickly Pear, Purple Prickly PearBotanical Names: Opuntia ‘Santa Rita’, Opuntia gosseliniana var. santarita, Opuntia chlorotica var. santarita, Opuntia violacea var. santaritaName Meaning:~ Opuntia: Honors the Ancient Greek city of Opus, where an edible plant was said to grow that could be propagated by rooting its leaves.~ ‘Santa Rita’: Refers to the Santa Rita Mountains in Arizona.Native Range: North America ( desert environments of the southwest U.S. and northern Mexico)Plant Family: Cactaceae (cacti)Grow Zone (Hardiness): 8a – 11b (Frost-tolerant to 15° F.)Bloom: Multi-petaled yellow flowers appear in spring and summer, followed by red-purple, fleshy, edible fruits.Light: Full sunSoil: Well-drainingWater: LowGrowth Rate/Habit: Moderate/Clumping, spreadingMature Size: 4-6 ft. tall x 6-8 ft. wideSELECT FROM ROOTED OR UNROOTED PAD, FIVE INCHES + IN LENGTH.Caution: Opuntia species have fine, barbed bristles called glochids. Glochids easily detach and can pierce skin and leather gloves, so use tongs when handling.