Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Variegatus'

Also Known As

Pedilanthus tithymaloides 'Variegata'
Devil's Backbone
Jacob's Ladder
Red Slippers Spurge
Redbird Cactus
Variegated Red Bird Cactus

Plant type

shrub, cactus / succulent

size

H: 6'-8'
W: 3'-4'

planting zones

9b-12

More Options

Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Variegatus' plant details

Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Variegatus' is an evergreen or semi-evergreen cactus / succulent or shrub with green, pink, red and variegated foliage. In summer red flowers emerge. Attracts hummingbirds. Grows well with sun - dappled shade and occasional - low water. Drought tolerant once established. Does well in average, gritty, lean and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something heat tolerant, humidity tolerant and seaside / salt tolerant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Variegatus'

Plant type: cactus / succulent or shrub
Plant family: euphorbiaceae
Foliage: evergreen or semi-evergreen green, pink, red and variegated
Mature size: 3 FT - 4 FT - wide, 6 FT - 8 FT - tall
Flowers: red blooms in summer
Uses: container plant, easy-to-grow, houseplant, showy, tropical-looking, unique, year round interest, zigzag stems

GROWING CONDITIONS for Euphorbia tithymaloides 'Variegatus'

USDA Zones: 9b - 12
Sun exposure: sun - dappled shade
Watering frequency: occasional - low
Resistant to: deer and rabbit, heat, humidity and seaside / salt
Soil needs: average, gritty, lean and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Beautiful white edged, green foliage along zig-zagging green to woody stems. It gets it's name from the clusters of tiny red, bird shaped blooms that are borne in summer. An easy to grow architecturally pleasing specimen. 3 plants per pot. The Red Bird Cactus is not a true cactus at all but a Euphorbia but it is certainly as easy to grow as most Cacti. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that this unusual plant is also a US native plant found growing naturally in the southern most portion of Florida with its main range being the warmer portions of central and south America. For best results provide the Devil's Backbone with a fast draining cactus-like soil and full to partial sun out of doors. It is tolerant of mild frosts and may return from the base if frozen to the ground. Jacob's Ladder is known to be pollinated by visiting Hummingbirds.