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Lady Slipper

Euphorbia lomelii

true

1 gallon

Lady Slipper

In stock

3’x3’

Sizes:

Lady Slipper – Euphorbia lomelii
Also known as: Slipper Plant, Gallito, Pedilanthus, Mexican Bird of Paradise (not to be confused with Caesalpinia mexicana)

Lady Slipper is a striking succulent native to the Sonoran Desert in northwestern Mexico, especially in the states of Sonora and Sinaloa. It is highly adapted to dry desert conditions and thrives in warm, arid climates, making it one of the best container plants for desert gardens and xeriscapes.

This clump-forming perennial produces mostly leafless, upright lime-green stems about ½ inch in diameter, growing to 3 feet tall and spreading 3 to 4 feet wide. Depending on sun exposure, the stems may remain straight in full sun or become gently arching and wavy in partial shade. In fall and spring, the plant produces eye-catching orange-red, slipper-shaped flowers along the upper parts of the stems.

Euphorbia lomelii is considered one of the most specialized species in the Euphorbia genus. The unique cyathium (a specialized flowering structure) features a recessed gland chamber inaccessible to many insects, an adaptation believed to have evolved specifically for hummingbird pollination. In its native habitat, it is most often pollinated by Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae), which is well-suited to accessing the nectar deep within the floral tube.

A true desert native, Lady Slipper prefers well-drained, sandy or rocky soil and is extremely drought tolerant once established. It grows best in full sun but benefits from filtered afternoon shade in the hottest parts of the low desert. In nature, it often grows beneath or beside cacti and other desert shrubs that provide dappled protection. This plant is ideal for use in rock gardens, succulent borders, containers, and modern or minimalist designs.

Wildlife Value
Host Plant: —
Nectar Source: Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)
Bird Resources: Nectar
Bird Species: Costa’s Hummingbird (Calypte costae)

Plant Care

Native region:

Sonoran Desert

Water needs:

Low

Exposure:

Full Sun; Filtered Shade

Mature size:

3’x3’

Growth rate:

Moderate

Flower color:

Red

Flower season:

Spring; Fall

Pruning:

None

Cold Hardiness:

25 Degrees

Nectar-producing:

Yes

Attracts pollinators:

Yes

Nighttime pollinators:

Butterflies or Moths:

Monarchs:

Larval host:

Bees:

Bats:

Birds:

Yes

Nest site:

Nest materials:

Rabbit-resistant:

Yes

Tortoises:

Growing Plants in the Desert — Important Information

The information presented here is, to the best of my knowledge, accurate and based on reliable research, personal experience in my own garden, observations from other gardens I’ve visited, and time spent studying plants in their native habitats. I always welcome your feedback and experiences to help me continue educating others!

Cacti:
In my experience, cacti are much happier in filtered shade here in the low desert of the Coachella Valley. Their colors are more vibrant and they tend to bloom more profusely, especially the non-native varieties. If you look closely at how our native barrel cactus and beavertail prickly pear grow in the wild, you’ll often find them tucked among rocks or beneath the shelter of creosote and other shrubs.

⚠️ A note of caution: Cacti and succulents are often illegally collected from the wild, which not only damages plant populations but also disturbs entire ecosystems. In some cases, wild populations of cacti have even gone extinct because of this practice. When purchasing these plants, always be sure they’ve been legally obtained. Look for nursery-grown stock or plants with a native plant certification, and keep that documentation for your records.

Light Requirements:
In our desert (Sonoran/Colorado), “full sun” doesn’t always mean what you might think. Many so-called full-sun plants benefit from and actually appreciate some late-afternoon filtered light—especially during the intense summer months.