Tropical Croton

Codiaeum variegatum
A tropical, evergreen shrub to small tree that is native to Malaysia but is now widely popular around the world. Codiaeum is a genus within the Euphorbia family. Some records include: largest on record - 30 x 10 ( rarely over 13 ) feet; fastest growth rate - 3 feet. It can be used as a focal point specimen plant or as a hedge. It is also used as a summer feature plant in planters in colder climates where it is an annual. It is not related to the Croton alabamensis, a shrub of much cooler temperate climates.
The leaves, up to 18 ( rarely over 12 ) inches in length, are highly variable in shape and color.
Hardy zones 9b to 12 in full sun to full shade ( better foliage color with more sun ) preferring moist, sandy, well drained soil. Tropical Croton prefers a soil PH of less than 7.5 and is moderately tolerant of drought and salt.

* photos taken on Jan 3 2011 @ Deerfield Beach Arboretum, Florida

* photos taken on May 15 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on July 11 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Washington, DC

* photos taken on May 4 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 7 2013 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Oct 21 2014 @ Smithsonian Inst., Wash., DC

* photo taken on June 19 2015 in Columbia, MD

* photos taken on Aug 5 2015 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Sep 2 2015 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on Aug 21 2017 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on July 21 2012 in Baltimore, MD

* photos taken on Aug 27 2023 in Columbia, MD

* photo taken on June 19 2023 @ Hershey Gardens, Hershey, PA