Varieties We Bring In
Mammey
Icetone
Mammey · Sloppy Painter
Mammey · ZANZIBAR · Franklin Roosevelt · Gold Dust · Magnificent · MANGO · Petra · Dreadlocks · Excellente
Mammey · ZANZIBAR · Gold Dust · Magnificent
Gold Dust
We received some Croton on Oct 22, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Last received Oct 22, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
Pet toxicity: Toxic to dogs and cats
Pet safety guideAbout Croton
Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is a bold tropical shrub from Malaysia and the Pacific Islands renowned for its thick, leathery leaves splashed with combinations of yellow, orange, red, and green. Hundreds of cultivars exist, making it one of the most diverse foliage plants in tropical horticulture.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-showy
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended months: March, April, May, September, October, November.
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Bloom season.
Bloom season. Ideal planting window.
Bloom season. Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Croton develops the most vivid foliage color in full sun (6+ hours daily); insufficient light causes faded, washed-out leaves. In NE Florida, full sun is ideal for most cultivars, though some may benefit from midday dappled shade during peak summer to prevent leaf scorch.
Water regularly to maintain evenly moist but well-drained soil; Croton does not tolerate 'wet feet' or prolonged drought. Once established, it has moderate drought tolerance. In NE Florida, reduce irrigation frequency in winter and water only when the top 2–3 inches of soil are dry.
Croton grows best in well-drained sandy loam amended with compost. Apply a balanced slow-release granular fertilizer in spring and again in midsummer; avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which promotes leafy growth at the expense of color. Protect from frost — in 9b, plants may defoliate during freezes but typically recover from the roots.
Similar needs
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Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Ti Plant
Shares 5 of the same needs: similar light, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Viburnum
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Society Garlic
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Baby Sun Rose
Shares 4 of the same needs: full sun, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
Butterfly Bush
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, salt tolerance, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Croton a good plant for St. Augustine?
Croton is a shrub. Mature size: 3-6 feet × 3-5 feet (varies by cultivar). Light: Full Sun, Part Sun. Water needs: Moderate. Recorded hardiness zone: 9a. Recorded salt tolerance: moderate.
What is the recorded pet toxicity for Croton?
Toxic to dogs and cats
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.