James H. Schutte
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Botanical Name
CODIAEUM variegatum 'Mammy'
Plant Common Name
Croton, Mammy 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. Mammy is a brilliantly colored, small variety. The star-shaped flowers are produced on long stalks but are insignificant. The brightly-hued foliage is the attraction. Mammy’s leaves are linear with bluntly, rounded tips, arranged spirally around the stems with a slight corkscrew twist around the midrib. The new leaves emerge light green with streaks and splotches of yellow and mature to green, red, orange and yellow overlaid with bright red. 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'-6' / 0.9m - 1.8m
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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
Oval/Rounded
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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, Green, Orange, Dark Red
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Foliage Color (Spring) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Yellow, Green, Orange, Dark Red
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Foliage Color (Summer) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Yellow, Red, Purple, Orange, Dark Red
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Foliage Color (Fall) Modifier
Variegated, Striped/Striated, Spotted/Mottled
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Yellow, Green, Orange, Dark Red
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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
No
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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