CROTON
Crotons, to say that most have variegated leaves is an understatement. Some look like they are survivors of the psychedelic era of the 1960s while others look like some painter had problems with his brushes splattering all over the plants. A member of the Euphorbiaceae family, crotons have been used in Florida yards for many years and have never failed to add wild dashes of color to the garden.
Plant Facts:
Common Name: Croton
Botanical Name: Codiaeum
Family: Euphorbiaceae
Plant Type: Evergreen tree or shrub
Origin: Malaysia and E. Pacific
Zones: 10 – 11
Height: to 10“
Rate of Growth: Medium
Salt Tolerance: Low
Soil Requirements: Rich, well drained, moist
Water Requirements: Water well especially in drought
Nutritional Requirements: Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, greatly appreciates side dressings of compost or manure. Loves rich soil.
Light Requirements: Does best in partial shade
Form: Shrub or tree
Leaves: 6-10″ long ovate multicolored, variegated leaves
Flowers: Tiny star-shaped yellow flowers produced in axillary racemes during the summer
Fruits:
Pests or diseases: Spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs, caterpillars, stem galls, root rot, fungal and bacterial leaf spots.
Uses: Shrub, tree, informal hedge or screen, or shrub border
Bad Habits: Contact with latex from foliage may aggravate skin allergies.
Cost: $$ — Very reasonable
Propagation: Root softwood cuttings in summer, air layer in spring
Source ( “As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”): THE AMERICAN HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY A-Z ENCYCLOPEDIA OF GARDEN PLANTS
