When it comes to cold-hardy cacti, you don’t need to worry about finding a spot to hide them away indoors once the temperature drops. These tough plants can handle the chill just fine. Here are some of the most popular varieties for your winter garden.
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++Tulip Prickly Pear (Opuntia phaeacantha)
The Tulip Prickly Pear is a real workhorse in the garden—it’s super robust and won’t demand much of your time. It’s a showstopper when it blooms, and you’ll even see small fruits develop after the flowering season. To keep this cactus happy and productive, make sure you use the right substrate. Well-draining soil is a must to prevent waterlogging around the roots. This hardy guy can handle temperatures as low as -4 °F (-20 °C).
++Plains Prickly Pear (Opuntia polyacantha)
If you live somewhere even colder, the Plains Prickly Pear is your best friend. It can withstand temperatures down to a bone-chilling -13 °F (-25 °C). Since it’s native to parts of Canada, it’s no stranger to a harsh winter. In the ground, these can grow about 15 inches tall and put on a colorful floral display. If you decide to keep it in a container, it’ll stay a bit more compact, usually topping out around 8 inches.
++Yellow Chin Cactus (Gymnocalycium andreae)
The Yellow Chin Cactus might only reach 4 to 8 inches in height, but it’s absolutely charming. It grows in a perfect little globe shape with a lush green color. Its distinctive “bumpy” ribs give it a unique look that many gardeners love, especially combined with its striking spines. As long as you provide a little overhead protection from rain, this cactus can handle temperatures down to 1 °F (-17 °C), though it does struggle with long periods of deep frost.
++Missouri Pincushion (Escobaria missouriensis)
The Missouri Pincushion is another fan favorite thanks to its beautiful spherical growth habit. It can get quite large and features impressive spines. The real treat starts in late fall when the flowers bloom, followed by small fruits. Fun fact: the fruits are actually edible and have a flavor that’ll remind you of gooseberries! Just remember to take it easy on the watering to keep this plant thriving.
++Barbary Fig (Opuntia ficus-indica)
The Opuntia family is huge, but the Barbary Fig is one of the most widely recognized members. This variety is a bit sensitive to moisture, so a “less is more” approach to watering is key. Ensure your soil drains quickly so the roots don’t sit in the wet. If you get the location right, you’ll have a low-maintenance, winter-hardy staple in your garden for years to come.
++Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus (Echinocereus coccineus)
The Scarlet Hedgehog Cactus is comfortable down to about 5 °F (-15 °C). With just a little bit of winter protection, it’ll breeze through the colder months. This little guy is famous for its long-lasting, large, and incredibly vibrant flowers. If you’ve struggled to get other cacti to bloom in the past, give this variety a try—it’s much more forgiving!
++Cane Cholla (Cylindropuntia imbricata)
When it comes to winter toughness, the Cane Cholla is in a league of its own. This beast can survive temperatures as low as -22 °F (-30 °C)! It hails from the high deserts of the US, where freezing nights are the norm. It’s incredibly hardy and can grow into a massive shrub up to 13 feet tall. You can plant this in your garden and basically forget about it—no special winter blankets required.
++Purple Prickly Pear (Opuntia macrocentra)
Looking for something that stands out from the crowd? The Purple Prickly Pear is a fantastic choice. Unlike your typical green cacti, this one features a stunning violet-purple hue. When it blooms, you’ll get gorgeous yellow-and-red flowers. It’s generally easy to care for, though it prefers a spot where it’s shielded from heavy rain. It’s hardy down to -4 °F (-20 °C).