Small’s Redbird Flower: A Native Florida Shrub Worth Knowing
If you’re looking to add authentic Florida natives to your landscape, you might want to get acquainted with Small’s redbird flower (Pedilanthus tithymaloides smallii). This lesser-known native shrub represents a piece of Florida’s natural botanical heritage, though finding detailed growing information can be as elusive as the plant itself in cultivation.
What Exactly is Small’s Redbird Flower?
Small’s redbird flower is a perennial shrub that belongs to Florida’s native plant community. Like other shrubs, it’s a multi-stemmed woody plant that typically stays under 13-16 feet tall, with several stems rising from or near ground level. You might also encounter this plant listed under its botanical synonyms: Pedilanthus smallii or Tithymalus smallii.
Where Does It Call Home?
This particular variety of redbird flower is a true Florida native, found naturally within the state’s borders. As a plant that evolved in Florida’s unique climate and soil conditions, it represents an authentic choice for gardeners interested in supporting local ecosystems.
The Reality of Growing Small’s Redbird Flower
Here’s where things get interesting – and a bit challenging. While Small’s redbird flower is undoubtedly a legitimate Florida native, detailed cultivation information for this specific variety is surprisingly scarce. This could mean a few things:
- It may be naturally rare or have a very limited distribution
- It might not be readily available in the nursery trade
- Its growing requirements could be quite specific to certain Florida habitats
Should You Plant It?
The short answer is: it depends on your goals and patience level. If you’re a native plant enthusiast who loves the challenge of growing uncommon species, Small’s redbird flower could be an intriguing addition – assuming you can source it responsibly. However, the lack of readily available growing information means you’d be somewhat pioneering its cultivation.
For most gardeners seeking reliable Florida natives with similar characteristics, you might want to consider better-documented alternatives that can provide the native plant benefits you’re looking for while being easier to establish and maintain.
What We Don’t Know (And Why That Matters)
The limited information available about Small’s redbird flower highlights an important point about native plant gardening: not every native species makes a practical garden plant. Some natives thrive in cultivation, while others prefer to remain in their wild habitats.
Without clear information about this plant’s growing conditions, hardiness zones, care requirements, or wildlife benefits, it’s difficult to recommend it for typical landscape use.
The Bottom Line
Small’s redbird flower represents Florida’s botanical diversity, but it may be better appreciated in its natural habitat than in home landscapes. If you’re determined to grow this particular native, connect with native plant societies, botanical gardens, or specialized native plant nurseries who might have more specific cultivation knowledge.
For most gardeners, exploring well-documented Florida native shrubs might be a more practical way to support local ecosystems while creating a beautiful, sustainable landscape.
