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CODIAEUM variegatum 'Banana'

Image of Codiaeum variegatum 'Banana'

Carol Cloud Bailey

Family

Euphorbiaceae

Botanical Name

CODIAEUM variegatum 'Banana'

Plant Common Name

Croton

General Description

Colorful crotons in the landscape are a sure sign of warm climates. Codiaeum variegatum is an evergreen shrub native to Malaysia and islands of the western Pacific. Banana is a small, spreading variety. The star-shaped flowers are produced on long stalks but are insignificant. The brightly-hued foliage is the attraction. Banana’s leaves are linear with bluntly, rounded tips, arranged spirally around the stems. The new leaves emerge light green with streaks of yellow and mature to dark green with yellow veins and splotches.

Crotons grow best in well-drained soil and in full sun to partial shade; in hot sunny climates they look best if shaded from the hottest sun of the day. Too much sun will bleach the color out of the leaves and too little will cause the leaves to be more green. Provide plenty of room for growth, crotons can be pruned by hand but are ugly sheared. Crotons are frequently grown as houseplants in colder climates and in the landscape in frost-free regions. Crotons make excellent accent plants, hedges and tub specimens.

Characteristics

  • AHS Heat Zone

    12 - 1

  • USDA Hardiness Zone

    9 - 15

  • Sunset Zone

    H1, H2, 23, 24

  • Plant Type

    Shrub

  • Sun Exposure

    Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade

  • Height

    2'-6' / 0.6m - 1.8m

  • Width

    2'-5' / 0.6m - 1.5m

  • Bloom Time

    Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer

  • Native To

    Southeastern Asia, Polynesia

Growing Conditions

  • Soil pH

    Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline

  • Soil Drainage

    Well Drained

  • Soil type

    Loam, Sand

  • Growth Rate

    Medium

  • Water Requirements

    Average Water

  • Habit

    Oval/Rounded

  • Seasonal Interest

    Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter

Ornamental Features

  • Flower Interest

    Insignificant

  • Flower Color

    White, Yellow

  • Foliage Color (Spring)

    Yellow, Green, Light Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Summer)

    Green, Light Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Fall)

    Yellow, Green, Light Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled

  • Foliage Color (Winter)

    Yellow, Green, Dark Green

  • Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier

    Variegated, Striped/Striated, SpottedMottled

  • Bark Color

    Brown, Sandy Brown

  • Fragrant Flowers

    No

  • Fragrant Fruit

    No

  • Fragrant Foliage

    No

  • Bark or Stem Fragrant

    Yes

  • Flower Petal Number

    Single

  • Repeat Bloomer

    Yes

  • Showy Fruit

    No

  • Edible Fruit

    No

  • Showy Foliage

    Yes

  • Foliage Texture

    Coarse

  • Foliage Sheen

    Glossy

  • Evergreen

    Yes

  • Showy Bark

    No

Special Characteristics

  • Bark Texture

    Smooth

  • Usage

    Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical

  • Sharp or Has Thorns

    No

  • Invasive

    No

  • Self-Sowing

    No