Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum (v)
garden croton
An upright, evergreen shrub with thick, leathery, often deeply-lobed leaves. These are rich green, heavily veined with yellow when young and developing variable red flushing with age. Sprays of small, white, star-shaped flowers may appear in summer
Size
Ultimate height
1–1.5 metresTime to ultimate height
5–10 yearsUltimate spread
0.5–1 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Alkaline, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Red Yellow | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Red Yellow | ||
| Autumn | Green Red Yellow | |||
| Winter | Green Red Yellow |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
North–facing or West–facing or East–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Sap may cause skin irritation. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Codiaeum are evergreen shrubs, trees and perennials with large, leathery, often variegated, leaves. Sprays of tiny white or yellow, star-shaped flowers may appear in summer
- Name status
Correct
- Plant range
- S & SE Asia
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow under glass in loam-based potting compost in good light but shaded from hot sun, with high humidity. See Codiaeum for futher advice
Propagation
Propagate by air layering in spring, or root softwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer, after dipping the cut ends in powdered charcoal to reduce bleeding
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Sub-tropical
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
Pruning group 9. Cut back leggy plants to about 10cm and dust wounds with powdered charcoal to reduce bleeding
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally problem free
Get involved
The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.