Succulent
Devil's Backbone
Euphorbia tithymaloides
Traits
Varieties We Carry
StandardEuphorbia tithymaloides
Sizes & Pricing
1 galFrom$24.95
3 galFrom$24.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 11.
LightFull Sun, Part Shade
WaterLow
Mature size2-6 feet × 1-2 feet
About Devil's Backbone
Devil's Backbone (Euphorbia tithymaloides) is a drought-tolerant tropical shrub with striking zigzag stems and fleshy, often variegated leaves of green, white, and pink. Hardy in zone 9b with protection from hard frost, it makes a bold, low-water accent for sunny NE Florida borders and containers. Starting at $24.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer
- Flower Color
- Red, Pink
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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This monthGood windowOther months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season. Handles summer heat well once established.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Grows best in full sun but tolerates partial shade; variegated forms hold brighter color with more light. In NE Florida, some afternoon shade helps reduce heat stress in midsummer.
Water
Water sparingly — Devil's Backbone is semi-succulent and highly drought-tolerant once established. Allow soil to dry between waterings and never let it sit in standing water, which causes root rot in Florida's wet summers.
Soil & Fertilizer
Plant in sandy or well-drained soil; amend heavy soil with perlite or coarse sand. Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer lightly once in spring. Avoid overfeeding, which promotes weak growth.
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Common questions
Is Devil's Backbone a good plant for St. Augustine?
Devil's Backbone is a succulent for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with low salt tolerance, reaching 2-6 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.