Pedilanthus tithymaloides variegated 'Devils Backbone'

Product Details:

Ships bare rooted. 12-15 inches in height.

Special Plants are those that we think are unique and interesting. We offer them to the adventurous gardeners who would like to add more tropical interest and color to their garden or home. Stokes Tropicals has carefully chosen a wide range of exciting tropical plants that are easy-to-grow, that are not commonly available, that have some unusual horticultural interest, and can be successfully grown in containers. We are constantly searching for new and exciting plants, particularly tropicals--from Europe, Asia, Australia, North America, and South America. Pedilanthus tithymaloides variegated Devils Backbone- Devils Backbone is a moist shrub with zigzagged stems native to dry tropical forests of Florida, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and northern South America. Pedilanthus flowers, variously described as shaped like slippers, red birds, ducks, or even cow skulls, are only open at the tip. Pedilanthus, literally slipper flower are members of the Euphorbiaceous, but the 15 or so species are unique enough to have their own branch or the family. This subtropical succulent is a distant relative of the well-known Christmas poinsettia. The plant grows from a few inches to 3 or 4 feet tall and 2 to 3 feet wide. It has 1 to 3 inch long leaves. It is sold in two varieties, green and variegated. The different varieties are also two different colors. The variegated form takes on this pinkish tint during cooler weather. It will grow outdoors in hot, humid regions. Indoors, you'd want to give this Central American member of the Euphorbia plant family really bright light and warm conditions.