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Cistus Nursery

*RETAIL - Opuntia basilaris 'Sara's Compact'

*RETAIL - Opuntia basilaris 'Sara's Compact'

One of many fabulous beavertail cactus selections, this is a lovely semi-dwarf form, reaching an eventual 18” with soft, pinkish-gray pads covered in colorful orange-red glochids -- not to be licked! -- and deep rose flowers. This cultivar was selected by Sara McComb. Plant in full sun in mineral soil where drainage is sharp. Frost hardy to -20F, USDA zone 5. 

SARA'S COMPACT BEAVERTAIL CACTUS

Cactaceae

*THESE SIZES ONLY AVAILABLE FOR SALE IN OUR RETAIL NURSERY

Size

Retail Return Policy

Please choose your retail purchases thoughtfully as all plants are final sale.

Once plants leave our care we cannot know the conditions that might have affected the plant, stresses of handling, weather conditions or that playful kitten…

Providing you with healthy plant material is our mission and we trust you to provide the best research, handling, and garden environment to ensure success in your garden, whether in Portland, Oregon, or beyond.

If you have any questions about your purchase, please feel free to call or email us.

Planting Recommendations

Under most conditions, planting directly into the garden is best. Keep in mind, that in our care, plants have been protected from intense sunlight and drying winds and would therefore require sheltered transition time in order to acclimate to such conditions in your garden.

All plants going into containers (rather than in the ground) should be potted immediately in well-drained potting mix and watered well to ensure the soil is fully moistened with no air pockets. Succulent plants abide by different rules (**see below).

Plants held for later planting are best stored in a cool greenhouse or a well-lit garage or basement, rather than in your house where conditions are likely too warm and dry.

Those plants needing time to acclimate can be set out in pots and provided some shade and shelter for the first week to allow for a successful transition.

**For cacti and other succulents, we recommend using a soil mix of less than 30% organic matter, preferably a 2-1 blend of cactus/succulent potting soil and pumice, perlite or lava rock. These plants are sensitive to prolonged heavy moisture, especially in cool/winter conditions. Keep this in mind when watering them for the first time. It is better to leave them dry in lower temperatures.

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