Codiaeum, Variegated Croton, Bush Form

Codiaeum, Variegated Croton, Bush Form

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Sold out for the season, check back in the Spring!
SKU
36016290-C
Sun Preference
Full-Sun, Part-Sun
As low as: $0.00

Description

Variegated Croton | Codiaeum variegatum

This woody perennial is largely considered as a houseplant in colder climates, noted for its striking foliage; glossy, leathery, ovate or lanceolate leaves in a bright range of colors, yellow, pink, orange, red, bronze, green, and purple

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Details

Variegated Croton features dainty racemes of white star-shaped flowers from late winter to early spring. Its attractive glossy pointy leaves emerge green in spring, turning plum purple in color with showy red variegation and tinges of yellow the rest of the year.

Variegated Croton is a dense herbaceous annual with an upright spreading habit of growth. Its wonderfully bold, coarse texture can be very effective in a balanced garden composition.

This is a relatively low maintenance plant, and should not require much pruning, except when necessary, such as to remove dieback. Deer don't particularly care for this plant and will usually leave it alone in favor of tastier treats. It has no significant negative characteristics.

Variegated Croton is recommended for the following landscape applications;

  • Accent
  • Mass Planting
  • General Garden Use
  • Container Planting

Variegated Croton will grow to be about 6 feet tall at maturity, with a spread of 5 feet. Although it's not a true annual, this plant can be expected to behave as an annual in our climate if left outdoors over the winter, usually needing replacement the following year. As such, gardeners should take into consideration that it will perform differently than it would in its native habitat.

This plant does best in full sun to partial shade. It does best in average to evenly moist conditions, but will not tolerate standing water. It is not particular as to soil pH, but grows best in rich soils. It is somewhat tolerant of urban pollution. This species is not originally from North America, and parts of it are known to be toxic to humans and animals, so care should be exercised in planting it around children and pets.

Variegated Croton is a fine choice for the garden, but it is also a good selection for planting in outdoor pots and containers. With its upright habit of growth, it is best suited for use as a 'thriller' in the 'spiller-thriller-filler' container combination; plant it near the center of the pot, surrounded by smaller plants and those that spill over the edges. It is even sizeable enough that it can be grown alone in a suitable container. Note that when growing plants in outdoor containers and baskets, they may require more frequent waterings than they would in the yard or garden.

More Information

Common Family Name Croton
Sun Preference Full-Sun, Part-Sun
Plant Life Cycle Annual
Mature Height (Range) 49" - 60"
Mature Spread (Range) Over 36"

Product Questions (10)

Gertens carries annuals, perennials, shrubs, trees, water plants, house plants, edibles, cacti/succulents, seasonal blooming holiday plants and a wide variety of bulbs and seeds!
Annuals are plants that complete their life cycle in one growing season (spring – fall/frost). Perennials are plants that live for more than two growing seasons. They die back in winter and re-emerge in spring. ...
Hardiness is the capacity of a cultivated plant to withstand adverse conditions, usually its tolerance of low temperature. Plants are given a hardiness rating by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 11 zones based on the coldest or warmest temperature...
Tropical plants are usually enjoyed for the summer and then discarded or brought indoors for the winter. Some tropicals go dormant in winter and can be kept in a dark cool place. They do need to be watered infrequently to keep their roots moist. Other...
Yes, you can overwater plants. Especially in pots but also in the ground, however, planting in the ground allows for better water dispersion so the odds of overwatering are less. Low lying areas may be more prone to flooding. Areas with clay soil also...
A rough estimate for the last frost date here in zone 4b is the first week of May. This is not exact, as Minnesota weather can be variable, but it does help for plantings.
Use ant repellents.  Terro = Grease Ants Revenge = Garden Ants NOTE: Before bringing...
Root stimulators provide a hormone to the root system to recover faster from any damage done during the transplant process. This will also help the roots grow faster and stronger. To view Gertens recommended root stimulator, click ...
Full sun is six or more hours of direct sunlight (Note: afternoon sun is the hottest). West side: plants that like it hot and dry.  Part sun is four to six hours of sunlight including some afternoon...
Mulch helps stabilizes soil moisture and temperature. Gertens experts recommend Red Cedar mulch, from that fact that the cedar oil repels soft body insects. Place mulch 2 ...
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