Croton
Codiaeum variegatum
Croton
The Croton (Codiaeum variegatum) is the go-to colorful shrub in Philippine landscaping. With leaves in combinations of red, orange, yellow, green, and purple, no other plant delivers this much color variety from foliage alone. Walk through any subdivision in Metro Manila and you’ll spot Crotons in nearly every garden.
Popular Varieties
Petra — The most common landscape variety. Broad leaves with green, yellow, orange, and red veining. Reliable color in full sun.
Gold Dust — Green leaves speckled with bright yellow dots. Compact habit, good for borders.
Mammy — Twisted, curled leaves in red, orange, and green. Strong vertical form.
Zanzibar — Narrow, grass-like leaves in red, orange, and green. Distinct texture compared to broad-leaf types.
Mrs. Iceton — Oval leaves that shift from green to yellow to red as they mature.
Sunny Star — Bright yellow-green leaves, compact growth. Works well in mass planting.
Why It’s Popular
Unmatched Color Range — No other Philippine landscape shrub offers this many color options from foliage alone. Flowers are insignificant; the leaves are the show.
Instant Impact — Even small nursery plants display full color. No waiting years for maturity.
Low Cost — One of the most affordable colored shrubs available. Easy to buy in quantity for mass planting.
Easy Propagation — Nurseries produce them cheaply from stem cuttings, keeping supply steady and prices low.
Landscape Uses
- Color accent and contrast in garden beds
- Hedge and border planting (especially Petra and Gold Dust)
- Mass planting for bold color blocks
- Container planting for patios and entries
- Understory color beneath tall palms or trees
- Driveway and walkway lining
Growing Requirements
Sun: Full sun is essential. Crotons in shade lose their vibrant colors and revert toward green. The more sun, the more intense the foliage color.
Water: Moderate. Water regularly during establishment, then Crotons tolerate some dryness. Overwatering causes root rot.
Soil: Adaptable to most Philippine soils. Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil. Add organic matter to heavy clay.
Space: Allow 1-1.5m between plants for hedges. Single specimens need about 1.5m diameter at maturity.
Size & Pricing
| Size | Height | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|
| Small pot | 6-12 inches | ₱100 - ₱150 |
| Medium | 1-2 ft | ₱150 - ₱300 |
| Large | 3-4 ft | ₱300 - ₱500 |
| Specimen | 5-6 ft | ₱500 - ₱800 |
Prices vary by variety. Common varieties like Petra cost less; rarer cultivars like Zanzibar or specialty types may run higher.
Care Tips
- Prune to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth
- Remove any all-green branches (reversion) to maintain color
- Fertilize with balanced fertilizer every 2-3 months
- Watch for mealybugs and spider mites, especially in dry conditions
- Leaf drop is normal after transplanting or cold snaps; plants recover quickly
- Milky sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when pruning
