Much like the Claret Cups, reacquainting myself with Prickly Pear flowers around Santa Fe would be necessary. There is no small shortage of them for sure. However, upon reflection, you could say I had become a bit spoiled by having most of the cactus plants I loved to photograph all in one place.
The big xeriscape gardens I frequented for the majority of my photo ops provided a bounty of Prickly Pear cactus plants. Multiple varieties with flowers in an array of colors. Knowing which ones would bloom when and becoming familiar with their cycles was something I looked forward to. However, back in Santa Fe, I needed to go on the hunt so to speak.
This was definitely a different animal than the Claret Cups and my timing was off yet again. In many instances it appeared I had missed primo blooming by just a day or two. We did not have a particularly wet winter or spring so perhaps that may have added to my challenges in terms of timing and blooming?
With plant’s locations so spread out, from around the neighborhood to the hiking trails and public gardens, it would take making lots of notes for next year. Gotta keep an eye out for when their pointy buds begin to appear. It may ultimately be a bit of a frenzy, but when something brings you that much joy, it’s so worth it! Plus it keeps me outside exploring more of Nature and my new surroundings. Who could complain about that?
That being said, I still managed to capture some decent shots IMHO.
From Around the Neighborhood
Following a similar pattern as other flowers around the hood, starting in mid-April, I spotted various Prickly Pear cactus plants. I rather love their pointy, little buds. In some instances I spotted plants giving way to new paddles as in the image above.
Truth be told, there were many different plants around the neighborhood. Was pleasantly surprised to see that. And if I can attest to one thing when it comes to photographing Prickly Pear cactus flowers, the pink ones always seem to bloom first! Have no idea why that is?
Lighter colors such as shades of yellows, whites and sometimes a peachy shade tend to bloom a bit later. This is based on my own personal photo observations.
This cluster of yellow flowers was blooming happily in a neighbor’s front yard. Thankfully it was close enough to the periphery that I could capture some photos without being intrusive.
The Cactus Demonstration Garden
I probably sound like a broken record when it comes to my timing being off this season. And I was bummed I had missed the peak bloom of the massive prickly pear plants at the Demonstration Garden.
It must have been amazing considering the size of these paddles! You can see just how big they are in the photo. But I was still able to capture some moments on the smaller plants as they were still blooming.
There was a lovely array of colors from the more standard yellow to a pretty watermelon color and some of the Sunburst colors too. However, I did not come across any of the translucent peach color that I love. Perhaps those were just unique plants at the xeric gardens with select plants blooming both yellow AND peach flowers. Then again perhaps next year I may come across some of those plants around Santa Fe. We shall see?
I definitely had to break out my thick, green garden pad for taking photos here. As you can see from these photos, some of these plants were sporting VERY long, whites spines!!
Bees and Prickly Pear Flowers – A Given
The frenzy in which bees descend upon these flowers is quite amazing. We’re talking head first and all in! It begs to question what exactly is the strong appeal bees have to these flowers? But love them they do as you find them literally covered in pollen. Wonder if it’s they have some kind of intoxicating effect? Whatever it may be, it’s fascinating to observe.
Prickly Versatility and Paddles Show Some Luv
These cactus plants are quite versatile. From edible paddles (nopales) that you often see in the produce section of the local grocery stores, to the nubby red fruits (tunas) that eventually form.
You can apparently peel the skin of the fruit, remove the seed, and eat the flesh raw or juice it
There’s. prickly pear candies and even margaritas. Have yet to try one of those but it’s on my list! There’s apparently even prickly pear jelly and puree – who knew?
Beyond its edible capabilities, what I really enjoy coming across is when you see the paddles in the shape of a heart.
I’m always on the lookout for those and did come across a couple of them this season. When you really pay attention, you begin to learn to spot them.
This one in the photo was rather unique. Not only is the plant a “smoothy” – my name for no spines, I believe the jury may be out as to whether it looks more like a heart or a butt-crack 😆
I look forward to next season to see what other plants I may discover and the variety of flowers they bring to life.