Codiaeum variegatum (Croton, Garden Croton)
Botanical Information
| Family | Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus | Codiaeum |
| Species | variegatum |
| Synonyms | Codiaeum variegatus, Codiaeum variegata var. pictum |
| Category | Tropicals, Woody |
| Type | Shrub (evergreen) |
| Origin | Southern Asia, Indonesia, and the Eastern Pacific Islands. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses Disclaimer | Poisonous if leaves or seeds are eaten. Sap can be a skin irritant, so wear gloves when handling. |
Details
| USDA Hardiness Zone | 10a - 11 |
| USDA Hardiness Ref. | |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone | Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| Canada Hardiness Ref. | |
| RHS Hardiness Zone | H1c - H3 |
| RHS Hardiness Ref. | |
| Temperature (°C) | -5 - 10 |
| Temperature (°F) | 23 - 50 |
| Height | 0.9 - 1.8 m |
| Spread | 0.6 - 1.5 m |
| Growth | Medium |
Description and Growing Information
| Shape | Upright. |
| Propagation | By root or stem cutting. |
| Cultivation | Grows best in direct sunlight with rich, fast draining soil in high humidity. Water often in the active growing season, sparingly in the dormant season. |
| Pests | Scale, spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, root rot and leaf spots. |
| Notable Specimens | Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Leaf Description | Leaves have short stalks. Leaves vary in shape, size, and variegated patterning. |
| Flower Description | Tiny and star-shaped, hanging down on long racemes. |
| Colour Description | Leaves have a dark green base and yellow to red patterns. Flowers are white or yellow. |
| Texture Description | Leaves are smooth and leathery. |
Photographs
Codiaeum variegatum, Form.
Codiaeum variegatum 'Gold Dust'.
Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra'.