Carol Cloud Bailey
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name
CODIAEUM variegatum 'Franklin Roosevelt'
Plant Common Name
Croton, Franklin Roosevelt Croton
General Description
Codiaeum variegatum, more commonly known as croton, is an evergreen native to Malaysia and islands in the western Pacific. The flowers are insignificant but the foliage comes in a wide variety of brightly splashed or spotted, smooth, ruffled or twisted shapes. Croton ‘Franklin Roosevelt’ has linear, arching leaves with pointed tips. The color is “paint splashed’ yellow, orange and pink over medium green leaves with red backs. The oldest leaves are heavily overlaid with burgundy. Mature crotons are "V" shaped.
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
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 1
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USDA Hardiness Zone
9 - 15
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Shrub
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
3'-10' / 0.9m - 3.0m
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Width
1'-5' / 0.3m - 1.5m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Southeastern Asia, Polynesia
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Growth Rate
Medium
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Water Requirements
Average Water
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Habit
Upright/Erect
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Yellow
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Yellow, Red, Orange, Light Green, Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Yellow, Red, Orange, Light Green, Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Red, Orange, Light Green, Chartreuse, Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Yellow, Red, Orange, Light Green, Dark Green, Burgundy
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Foliage Color (Winter) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, SpottedMottled
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Bark Color
Brown, Sandy Brown
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
Yes
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Bark Texture
Smooth
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Usage
Container, Cutflower, Feature Plant, Foundation, Hedges, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Screening / Wind Break, Tropical
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Self-Sowing
No