The Purple Prickly Pear (Opuntia macrocentra) is a ground-hugging to nearly upright branched shrubs 60-120 cm tall, up to 3 m wide, usually 4-10 joints high; rarely with distinct trunks. The red-tinged succulent pads and very long spines (macrocentra means long spine) easily distinguish it from the many other species of prickly pear. The purple tinge is greatest around the areoles and on the edges, although the entire plant may be purple in winter.
Commn Name: Purple Prickly Pear 
Botanical Name: Opuntia macrocentra
Category: Cactus and Succulents
Water Requirements: Drought-tolerant; suitable for xeriscaping
Sun Exposure: Full Sun
Foliage:
Foliage Color: 
Height: 24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:36-48 in. (90-120 cm) 4-6 ft. (1.2-1.8 m)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 8b: to -9.4 °C (15 °F)
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
USDA Zone 11: above 4.5 °C (40 °F)
Where to Grow:Unknown - Tell us
Danger:Plant has spines or sharp edges; use extreme caution when handling
Bloom Color:Red Bright Yellow
Bloom Characteristics:Unknown - Tell us
Bloom Size:Unknown - Tell us
Bloom Time:Late Spring/Early Summer