Redbird Flower, scientifically known as Pedilanthus tithymaloides, is a striking succulent shrub native to southern Florida, the Caribbean, and Venezuela. Commonly called devil's backbone for its distinctive zigzag stems that resemble a spinal column, this low-maintenance plant produces showy red bracts that encase tiny scarlet flowers in late spring or early summer. Hardy in zones 9 through 11, it grows 2 to 6 feet tall depending on whether you cultivate it indoors or in a warm garden setting. The evergreen foliage is soft and medium green, with leaves reaching up to 3 inches long, creating an elegant architectural presence that works equally well as a houseplant or in frost-free landscapes.
Partial Sun
Moderate
9-11
72in H x 36in W
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High
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The zigzag branching pattern that gives devil's backbone its colorful common name creates a sculptural form unlike typical houseplants. Its tolerance for drought and somewhat poor soils means it thrives on benign neglect, making it genuinely forgiving for gardeners who tend to underwater. The showy red flowers and bracts appear in late spring or early summer, bringing color without demanding fussy care.
Redbird Flower serves primarily as an ornamental houseplant or outdoor accent plant in warm climates. In zone 9 through 11 gardens, it contributes architectural interest year-round with its unusual branching habit. Indoors, it provides tropical aesthetic appeal while requiring minimal fussing, making it well-suited to gardeners seeking living decor that tolerates irregular watering.
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Prune Redbird Flower as needed to keep plants compact and maintain an attractive shape. Regular pruning encourages bushier growth and helps prevent the plant from becoming leggy, particularly when grown indoors where light may be less intense than in a natural setting.
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“Pedilanthus tithymaloides traveled from its native range in southern Florida and the Caribbean through to Venezuela, eventually becoming a prized indoor specimen across North America. Its common name, devil's backbone, emerged from the distinctive zigzag growth pattern of its stems, which early gardeners fancied resembled a spinal column. The plant's journey into cultivation reflects the long-standing fascination with architectural foliage plants and tropical specimens that could survive indoors in temperate climates.”