Delosperma – late flowering

I know this post is a bit out of context, but the Delosperma plants are growing among my winter hardy cacti so that ought to give it some relevance ;-)

Having passed the autumnal equinox I hadn’t expected any flowers from the Delosperma plants – nevertheless two of them are still displaying a few.


Delosperma nubigenum

Delosperma nubigenum (hardy yellow ice plant) has a vigorous carpeting growth habit with succulent and evergreen foliage. The foliage is supposed to have a bright red winter color (this is my first season growing Delosperma so I can’t say for sure). The plant has been flowering all through summer, except for the hottest periods.


Delosperma 'John Proffit'

The prolific Delosperma 'John Proffit' almost exploded with growth during summer and grew a lot of flowers. I’m intrigued by the bright center of the flowers almost illuminating them from within when basking in the sun.

As mentioned I haven’t grown Delosperma before, so I’m a bit excited to see how (and if) they make it through winter.

Autumn colors

Well past the autumnal equinox the cacti are displaying a range of beautiful colors as they get ready for winter.


Cylindropuntia whipplei

Cylindropuntia whipplei is turning reddish as it prepares for winter. Some of the not fully developed stem segments are going yellow-orange and will probably be shed before winter. The pictured plant is growing in a pot outside all year, only protected by a house wall. I had a C. whipplei growing unprotected in a bed, but it didn’t make it through last winter.

Opuntia humifusa was very popular with the bumble bees when it flowered and their activity has now resulted in many fruits.


Opuntia humifusa fruits

The glaucous coating gives the fruits an almost velvety sheen. I don’t know if O. humifusa is self-compatible or if the fruits are the result of hybridizing with other plants – I’ll sow the seeds and know in a couple of years ;-)

One of my Cylindropuntia viridiflora plants is growing completely unprotected in a bed. It had a hard time last winter and is now shedding some of the damaged branches that are turning deep Tyrian purple in the process.


Cylindropuntia viridiflora

The plant grew prolifically during summer so I hope it’s not completely set back by the upcoming winter.

Flowering Opuntias – Summer 2006

A handful of my winter hardy Opuntias flowered this summer. In separate posts you’ll find details on O. humifusa, O. ‘Claude Arno’, and O. fragilis.

I’m growing my plants at a summerhouse which unfortunately means that I’m often missing a flower or two. This year I didn’t experience a single of the many flowers on my Opuntia polyacantha.


Opuntia polyacantha with spent flowers

Last year I posted a photo of the flowering Opuntia polyacantha.

Flowering Opuntia humifusa

This summer my Opuntia humifusa set out on a flowering spree with loads of yellow flowers.


Flowering Opuntia humifusa

Initially the pure pale-yellow flowers didn’t appeal much to me, but I have to admit the “monochrome” flowers grow on you after a while.


Opuntia humifusa plant

The bumble bees also seem to enjoy the flowers, virtually diving into them in their search for nectar and pollen.


Bumble bee enjoying an O. humifusa flower

Go to the overview of Opuntias flowering in 2006.

Flowering Opuntia ‘Claude Arno’

Opuntia ‘Claude Arno’ did it again – like last year it displayed a wealth of pink flowers this summer.


Flowering Opuntia ‘Claude Arno’

The rosy red flowers with the pearly sheen are one of my girlfriend’s favorites. She’s usually not into cacti but has a hard time resisting the pink charm of Claude Arno ;-)


Opuntia ‘Claude Arno’ plant

Go to the overview of Opuntias flowering in 2006.

Flowering Opuntia fragilis

With its dark green pads and reddish-brown spines the Opuntia fragilis (Butte Co, Nebraska) plant is beautiful in itself, but the yellow flowers, tinted red basally, with its red filaments, yellow anthers, and green stigma lobes are absolutely stunning.


Opuntia fragilis flower

The plant only set a handful of flowers this summer, which was a bit disappointing compared to last years bombastic display. I suspect it’s related to the plant being transplanted in the spring.


Group of Opuntia fragilis plants

Go to the overview of Opuntias flowering in 2006.