Crotons bring a carnival of color to the garden. The colorful and varied leaf shapes of the croton make it a favorite with the gardeners in the south. The many different varieties of crotons give the gardener a plethora of options when it comes to selecting the ideal color, texture, and leaf shape for a garden design. Croton ‘Petra’ has large leaves resembling a shield with colorful veins of yellow, orange, and red. Croton ‘Fantasy’ has slimmer leaves in green and maroon with veins in bright yellow and orange.
Plant crotons in full sunlight for about 6 hours a day. The color of the leaves will become more brilliant in full sun. If planted in an area with too much shade, the leaves will grow dull and might start to fall off the plant. Water regularly until the plant is established and then as needed, especially during the hot days of summer. Crotons prefer slightly acidic to neutral pH; this is essential for the plant to absorb vital nutrients to keep it healthy and happy. Fertilize with a well-balanced fertilizer about three times a year starting in spring. Some varieties can get up to 8 feet tall if not pruned, clip the plant to its desired height through the growing season.
Some of our favorites: Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra,’ Codiaeum variegatum ‘Fantasy,’ Codiaeum variegatum ‘Sunny Star,’ Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mamey,’ Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Dust’
Note: These plants are grown for decorative purposes and are not intended for human or animal consumption
FAST FACTS
Outstanding Features: Bold, colorful leaves add continuous color to the landscape.
Common Name
Croton
Bloom Colors
Plant valued for its bold foliage
Water
Water regularly until established then as needed
Zone
10 and above
Fertilizer
Well-balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season
Scientific Name
Codiaeum variegatum
Light
Full sun, some partial shade
Size
Depends on variety
Overwintering
In zones 9a and lower, use as a container plant or as an annual in the landscape
Companion Plants
Ti plants, hibiscus, ixora