Croton
Codiaeum species and cultivars
Euphorbiaceae
Intense color all year round AND easy to grow... what more could you ask for? Crotons are often dismissed as old-fashioned plants, but the fact that you see them in old and neglected gardens in Queensland attests to their survival skills. With just a little extra water and fertiliser, and some mulch over the roots instead of lawn, you could produce some stunning results.
In old gardens, you see them growing 2-3 meters high. However, if left alone they end up the foliage at the ends of the barnches with bare trunks and woody stems showing below, which is hardly attractive. For best results, cut back from time to time to keep bushy with plenty of vibrant foliage.
For most stunning results, mass plant them. Even if you want a specimen in a mixed border, you can cheat by planting 3 or more close together.
More information in future updates. Meanwhile, be sure to check the links below.
Links
Note: if you do a web search for crotons, much of the information you'll find refers to cool climates where they are kept as pot plants. Some of the cultivars referred to in international links might not be available in Australia, or might be sold under different names.
Possible misspelling: codieum, codiaum, codium
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