Codiaeum variegatum var. pictum 'Mrs Iceton' (v)
garden croton 'Mrs Iceton'
A tropical shrub or woody-based perennial up to 1m high, with an upright habit and oval-shaped, leathery leaves that emerge lime green and mature to shades of green, red, yellow, pink and cream. May produce slender spikes of tiny white flowers in summer, though it rarely flowers when grown as a houseplant and is more prized for its bright foliage
Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
2–5 yearsUltimate spread
0.1–0.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, Neutral, AlkalineColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green Yellow Red Pink | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | White | Green Yellow Red Pink | ||
| Autumn | Green Yellow Red Pink | |||
| Winter | Green Yellow Red Pink |
Position
- Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H1BBotanical details
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Columnar upright
- 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
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in peat-free, loam-based potting compost in bright filtered light with shade from hot sun. Water moderately while in growth, and sparingly with tepid water in winter. Thrives in consistent temperatures, keep away from draughts and acclimatise gradually if placing outside over summer. See Codiaeum for futher advice
Propagation
Propagate by air layering in spring, or by softwood cuttings with bottom heat in summer. Dip the cut ends in powdered charcoal to reduce bleeding
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Houseplants
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Conservatory and greenhouse
Pruning
Minimal pruning required. Leggy plants can be cut back hard in early spring, but wounds should be dusted with charcoal to prevent bleeding
Pests
May be susceptible to scale insects and glasshouse red spider mite
Diseases
Generally disease-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.