This colourful tropical shrub has upright branched stems that form a low rounded crown. The lanced-shaped leaves have brilliant colours of crimson, scarlet, yellow and green and the small star-shaped greenish flowers appear in a raceme during spring.

Hardiness zones 11 to 12

Codiaeum variegatum is naturally found in Malaysia growing in well drained fertile, organic rich moist sandy soils in a protected semi shaded to sunny position and is drought and frost tender. 

Croton is a highly colourful foliage plant that is used as a filler shrub in tropical climates or as a potted hot-house plant in temperate climates. It is suitable for coastal and tropical low-mountain regions, establishing in 3-4 years and is moderately long lived. This plant is also used in commercial sites around buildings or in courtyard planter boxes. If grown indoors it requires a well-lit position with no draughts and a temperature range of 18º to 28º C. Reduce watering during winter. ID 610

Codiaeum (kõ-dee-IE-um) variegatum (vă-ree-a-GAH-tum)

Euphorbiaceae (yoo-for-bee-AY-see-ee)
Spurge Family