Tall Slipper Plant

Plant Type: Succulents
Plant Height: 4-6 feet
Spread: 2-3 feet
Flower Color: red, orange, or yellow
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Pedilanthus macrocarpus (Tall Slipper Plant) – A Striking, Drought-Tolerant Succulent for Arizona Landscapes

Pedilanthus macrocarpus, commonly known as the Tall Slipper Plant, is a unique and visually striking succulent native to Mexico and the southwestern United States. Renowned for its vertical growth habit and distinctive slipper-shaped flowers, this plant adds a bold architectural element to desert gardens and xeriscaping projects.

Key Features of Pedilanthus macrocarpus:

• Vertical Growth Habit: The Tall Slipper Plant grows upright, leafless stems that can reach 4 to 6 feet in height, creating a strong structural presence in any landscape. Under ideal conditions, it can grow even taller, making it perfect for focal points or background planting in desert landscapes.
• Distinctive Slipper-Shaped Flowers: The plant produces colorful, slipper-shaped flowers in shades of red, orange, or yellow, typically blooming in late spring to early summer. These unique flowers attract bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators, enhancing the biodiversity of your garden.
• Drought Tolerant: Native to arid regions, the Tall Slipper Plant thrives in full sun to light shade and prefers well-drained soil, making it an ideal choice for xeriscaping and water-efficient gardens in Arizona.

Perfect for Xeriscaping and Desert Gardens

The Tall Slipper Plant is an excellent choice for xeriscaping, rock gardens, or as a standalone specimen in spacious containers. Its architectural form and low water needs make it perfect for creating impactful desert landscapes.

• Minimal Maintenance: Pedilanthus macrocarpus is highly drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering once established. It prefers full sun but can tolerate light shade, making it easy to care for in low-water-use gardens.
• Bold & Exotic Appeal: The upright stems and striking slipper-shaped flowers of the Tall Slipper Plant add a sculptural quality to rock gardens, desert-themed landscapes, and container displays.
• Compact & Architectural: Growing to 4-6 feet tall, this plant’s vertical growth habit makes it an ideal choice for adding height and structure to any xeriscape design.

Why Choose Pedilanthus macrocarpus for Your Arizona Garden?

• Drought Tolerant: Perfect for xeriscaping and low-water-use landscapes, the Tall Slipper Plant thrives in arid environments with minimal water, making it ideal for Arizona’s dry climate.
• Unique Flowering & Architectural Form: The slipper-shaped flowers and vertical growth create a striking focal point in desert landscapes, attracting pollinators while adding a touch of the exotic.
• Low-Maintenance: With its drought tolerance, minimal care needs, and ability to thrive in full sun, this plant is a great choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance, water-efficient plants.

Blooming and Care

The Tall Slipper Plant produces vivid red, orange, or yellow slipper-shaped flowers in late spring to early summer, making it a visually appealing plant that also attracts hummingbirds and bees. Its low water requirements and minimal maintenance make it ideal for desert gardens or rock gardens.

Toxicity Warning

The plant’s sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation upon contact. When handling or pruning, use protective gloves and keep it out of reach of children and pets.

Planting & Care Tips

Pedilanthus macrocarpus thrives in full sun to light shade and prefers well-drained soil. Water sparingly, especially during the growing season, and ensure good drainage to prevent root rot. The Tall Slipper Plant is well-suited for xeriscaping and can be used as a striking architectural plant in rock gardens or container displays.

The Pedilanthus macrocarpus (Tall Slipper Plant) is a bold, drought-tolerant succulent that brings structure, beauty, and low-maintenance care to Arizona landscapes. Its vertical growth, slipper-shaped flowers, and low water requirements make it a valuable addition to xeriscaping, rock gardens, and desert-themed landscapes in the Phoenix Valley.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Tall Slipper Plant

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, sandy or loamy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 2-3 feet apart for optimal growth and air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Tall Slipper Plant is a self-supporting perennial with tall, upright blooms and does not require staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Tall Slipper Plant is considered established after 2-3 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 1.5-2 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 6-12 inches away from the base of the plant for even watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks