Tropical Croton
Codiaeum variegatum

Soil:

Well-drained; heat tolerant

Light:

Fun sun to partial shade

Height:

3-5 ft.

Width:

2-4 ft.

Description:

Crotons are marvelous tropical and sub-tropical shrubs coming in scores of colors and dozens of leaf shapes as well. They can be used in full sun as strong color spots but many types live happily in shade as well. The croton is said to be world's most colorful tropical shrub

This extremely colorful shrub just says “tropical” when put into a garden. The large leathery leaves come in a variety of mixed colors in all kinds of patterns. Excellent as a containerized plant or worked in with flowering annuals. Best color is achieved in full sun. Croton likes moist, well-drained soils and can tolerate soils that tend toward the dry side. If transplanting into the ground, handle the root ball carefully as they resent a lot of root disturbance and may drop leaves. They also don’t like cold so they need to be moved indoors when temperatures get into the 50-degree range. They perform well as house plants over the winter if given high light.