Opuntia microdasys 'Albata'
bunny ears 'Albata'
A bushy cactus to 60cm tall, with branched stems composed of flattened 'pads' to 15cm long, with prominent areoles with short white glochids; flowers pale yellow, 4cm across, fruits 4.5cm, purple
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | |||
| Autumn | Purple | |||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cactaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Skin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling Pets (dogs): Skin/eye irritant. For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
- Genus
Opuntia can be creeping, bushy or tree-like cacti, usually with flattened, pad-like stem segments bearing spines and barbed bristles, and with funnel-shaped flowers followed by spiny, fleshy fruits
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Under glass, grow in sharply-draining, peat-free, loam-based compost with added sharp sand, or a proprietary peat-free cactus compost. Provide full light at all times and allow compost to dry before watering during growth period in spring, summer and early autumn and apply a balanced liquid fertiliser three or four times. Withhold water and fertiliser in winter when dormant. See houseplant cacti and succulent cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed that has been presoaked and sown in containers at 21C (70F). Separate and root stem segments
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs
Diseases
Generally disease-free
Get involved
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