Five Croton Varieties, Delivered and Planted in SW Florida

Croton gives SW Florida yards some of the boldest foliage color you can plant, and it thrives in our sun and heat. It is a frost-tender tropical shrub that stays about 3 to 6 feet tall, so it suits hedges, accent beds and entries. We stock five varieties, from the green-and-gold speckle of Gold Dust to the red and yellow veining of Petra.

Light:: Full sun for the best color; tolerates part shade
Water:: Moderate; wilts quickly when dry, but dislikes soggy soil
Salt:: Moderate; handles light salt spray, not exposed waterfront

Text Me a Planted Price Call (239) 799-5594

Croton sizes we deliver and plant

Every size below is planted by our crew, set at the right depth and watered in. Send the size and how many, and we text back a planted price, usually within the hour during the day.

Variety or form	Sizes	Good to know
Croton Banana	3 Gallon, 7 Gallon	Long, narrow, banana-shaped leaves in green, yellow and orange tones, for a lighter and more tropical look.
Croton Gold Dust	3 Gallon, 7 Gallon	Glossy green leaves flecked with gold, the calmer, greener option that mixes well with the brighter types.
Croton Magnificent	3 Gallon, 7 Gallon	Broad, bold leaves that mix green, yellow, orange and red for a strong accent.
Croton Mamey	3 Gallon, 7 Gallon	Narrower, often twisted leaves with strong red, orange and yellow coloring.
Croton Petra	3 Gallon, 7 Gallon	The classic broad-leaf croton, with yellow, orange and red veining against green.

Croton in SW Florida, at a glance

Mature size here: 3 to 6 ft tall, 3 to 5 ft wide; taller if left unpruned
Light: Full sun for the best color; tolerates part shade
Water: Moderate; wilts quickly when dry, but dislikes soggy soil
Salt tolerance: Moderate; handles light salt spray, not exposed waterfront
Cold tolerance: Tender: leaves drop in cold snaps and burn in a frost, and a hard freeze can kill it to the ground; coastal Lee and Collier are usually fine
Growth rate: Moderate in warm weather, slow in winter
Spacing: 3 to 4 ft on center for a hedge; 4 to 5 ft for specimens
Florida native: No, native to Southeast Asia and the western Pacific
Botanical name: Codiaeum variegatum

Where Croton works in a SW Florida yard

Crotons earn their space in full sun, where the leaf colors run hottest. Plant them in a staggered row for a loose, colorful hedge, or in groups of three of one variety so the color reads from the street. Gold Dust, with its green leaves flecked in gold, calms a busy bed, while Petra and Magnificent carry the red and orange.

Ti plant, copperleaf and bromeliads are easy companions, and a plain green backdrop like podocarpus makes the leaves pop.

Colorful hedges
Foliage color accents
Sunny entry beds
Containers and planters

How our crew plants it

Dig the hole twice as wide as the pot and only as deep as the root ball, and set the plant level with the soil. Crotons hate wet roots, so raise the bed a few inches where water stands after rain. Space hedge plants 3 to 4 feet apart. We water in, then mulch 2 to 3 inches deep, away from the stems.

Lee and Collier allow extra watering for new plantings, so water every day or two for the first few weeks, then taper. Planting in spring or early summer gives roots time to settle before cold weather.

Care after planting

Water new plants regularly, and water deeply when the leaves start to droop, since croton wilts quickly in dry sand.
Prune in spring and summer to keep the shape, and hold off in fall so new growth is not caught by a cold snap.
Feed lightly with a slow-release shrub fertilizer in spring and early fall, and skip nitrogen and phosphorus products from June 1 to September 30 where local rules ban them.
On frost nights, cover inland plantings with frost cloth or a sheet that reaches the ground, and take it off in the morning.

What to watch for

Spider mites, scale and mealybugs are the usual pests, showing up as dull, speckled, sticky or cottony leaves, so check leaf undersides in hot, dry weather and treat early with horticultural oil.
The milky sap irritates skin and the plant is poisonous if eaten, so wear gloves when pruning and keep pets and kids from chewing it.
Leaf drop after transplanting or a cool snap is common, and plants usually refill when warm weather returns.

Croton questions we hear

Do crotons like full sun in Florida?+

Yes. Full sun brings out the red, orange and yellow, while shade turns many crotons greener and leggier. They take SW Florida summer sun well once established, as long as the roots get regular water. New plants can scorch in a hot July, so water them in well and keep the soil moist.

How far apart should I plant crotons for a hedge?+

Space them 3 to 4 feet apart on center. Go closer to 3 feet with 3 gallon plants and nearer 4 feet with 7 gallon plants. Stagger two rows for a thicker screen. Stick to one or two varieties per run, since too many colors in a row look busy.

Will a croton survive a freeze in Southwest Florida?+

A light frost burns the leaves, and a hard freeze can kill a croton to the ground. Coastal Lee and Collier rarely get that cold, but inland Lee and Charlotte can some winters. Plant against a south wall or under a canopy, cover young plants on frost nights, and cut back damage after the danger passes.

Why is my croton dropping leaves?+

A few leaves usually drop after transplanting or a cool snap, and plants refill in warm weather. Dry soil, soggy soil and spider mites cause it too, so check the soil and the undersides of the leaves. Steady moisture, full sun and good drainage fix most of it.

Are crotons poisonous to dogs and cats?+

Yes. The whole plant is considered poisonous if eaten, and the milky sap can irritate skin and mouths. Chewing can cause drooling, vomiting or diarrhea. Keep pets from nibbling, wear gloves when pruning, and call your vet if a pet eats some.

How much does it cost to have crotons delivered and planted?+

Price depends on the variety, the size and how many plants you want. Text us a photo of the bed and a rough count, and we text back a planted price, usually within the hour during the day. Half down holds the plants and a delivery day.

Updated October 2026