Known for its year-round red flowers, Jatropha is a versatile evergreen. It can be used as a hedge plant or as a background plant for an open area. Butterflies love this plant as well as other pollinators. Plant this tropical native in zones 10 and above. It can be planted in the warmer parts of zone 9B but can sustain some cold damage if temperature dip below 40. A distant relative of the poinsettia, Jatrophas produce a white milky sap when pruned. This sap is a skin irritant, so wear protective clothing when gardening around this plant.
This flowering shrub can get rather large, so make sure it has enough room to grow. Under ideal conditions, it can get up to 15 feet and about as wide, making it more of a tree than a shrub. This sun-loving plant enjoys soil that is very well-drained and moderately fertile.
Note: These plants are grown for decorative purposes and are not intended for human or animal consumption
FAST FACTS
Outstanding Features: Easy-care, grows moderately fast, produces red flowers year round
Common Name
Jatropha
Bloom Colors
Red
Water
Water daily until established then as needed
Zone
9b and above
Fertilizer
Well-balanced fertilizer throughout the growing season
Scientific Name
Jatropha
Light
Full sun
Size
15 feet tall and about as wide
Overwintering
Plant in containers in colder zones.
Companion Plants
Sweet potato vine, foxtail fern, dwarf mondo grass