Croton plants come in more than 100 varieties. Its leaves, which shapes may vary, come in all colors of autumn: red, yellow, green, copper, orange, brown, pink and ivory. The colors spread over the entire leaf to create a visually pleasing plant. Most need brightly lit locations and moist soil to thrive. Here are some the more popular variety of these beautiful plants.
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Dust’
‘Gold Dust’ croton plant has dark green leaves sprinkled with shiny yellow gold dots. This very low maintenance plant, defined as evergreen, is easy to grow and can reach a height of three to six feet. It is a rather slow growing plant so you don’t have to worry about it taking over your garden. Just plant it and leave it be. It can also be grown indoors.
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy’
Like other crotons, ‘Mammy’ is easy to take care of and features a display of bright yellow, red, green, purple and brown colors. Its leaves are large, thick and shiny. It can be grown as an indoor houseplant or outdoor decorative shrub. If you leave in a colder clime, bring the plant indoors for the winter.
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’
‘Petra’ is native to Southeast Asia. It can reach a height of four to five feet. Its large, wide leaves can come in burgundy red, yellow, orange, green and bronze colors. It can be grown indoors in large containers in a sunlit location. This plant requires a consistent temperature ranging from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mother and Daughter’
‘Mother and Daughter’ plant has probably the most exotic-looking leaves of all crotons. They are long and narrow and end with a spike that holds a small leaflet. Its leaves feature deep green to deep purple colors speckled with small yellow or ivory splashes. To keep this croton healthy, a minimum three gallon container would be the most suitable.
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Red Iceton’
Like other crotons, ‘Red Iceton’ is easy to grow and is low maintenance. Its leaves display a variety of colors from green, to gold, to orange and deep burgundy red. Unlike other crotons, this plant doesn’t have splashes but brightly colored veins. Outdoors it can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Magnificent’
Source: Excelsa Gardens
‘Magnificent’ croton plant has leaves shape similar to ‘Gold Dust’. They are large, broad and colored with shades of green, pink, yellow, orange, burgundy and deep purple. When grown outdoor it can reach a height of up to seven feet, though average height is about three to four feet. This plant keeps its colors even in shade.
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’
In a beautiful shift from other croton varieties, which have broad leaves, ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’ has long narrow, green to purple, leaves splattered with patterned golden yellow color. It can reach a height of four to six feet. ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’ is a hybrid created by Henry Coppinger in 1920s.
Codiaeum variegatum ‘Zanzibar’
‘Zanzibar’ croton’s narrow leaves are similar in shape to the ‘Eleanor Roosevelt’. Their colors range from green, to purple, to red, to yellow and orange. ‘Zanzibar’ will add contrast and textural interest to any garden. Or it can be a beautiful addition to your windowsill. It can reach a height of up to six feet. Like most crotons, ‘Zanzibar’ thrives in bright light.