Euphorbia lomelli (formerly Pedilanthus macrocarpus)

‘Ladyslipper plant’

Abstract :

Pedilanthus macrocarpus comes from the Sonoran Desert of northwestern Mexico. This unique succulent takes different shapes depending on the amount of light present in its environment. If in full sun, the stems will grow vertically (up to 4 - 6’) whereas shadier locations will spread horizontally, arched and looped in design. Regardless of placement, Pedilanthus macrocarpus rarely exceeds 6’ x 6’. E. lomelli produce small, inconspicuous leaves that turn red when temperatures reach 30 - 40F. Also produced by this variety are both male and female flowers, both shaped like a glass stiletto. Upon completion of its bloom cycle, the female flowers move on to produce a small, 1” red fruit, while male flowers actively reproduce through pollination by bees, hummingbirds, and other desert pollinators.

CLASSIFICATION

Scientific Name: Euphorbia lomelli

Common Name: Ladyslipper plant

Family: Euphorbiacacea

Suggested Uses: Container or above-ground planter, or urban garden

CHARACTERISTICS

Height: 6 feet tall to 6 feet wide

Foliage: Smooth, bright green stems with architectural joints; small leaves present during bloom cycle

Flower: Clusters of red flowers - 1 female, the remainder male.

Bloom Period: Late summer through fall

Fruit: Inconspicuous red fruits from female flowers

Hardiness:  Down to 30F

Growth: Slow

ENVIRONMENT

 Sun: Full sun or partial shade

Water: Water semi-regularly - a couple of times a month until established (then 1x month), or more often in extreme heat or containers.

Soil: well-draining soil, not overly particular

USDA Zone: 9b - 11