Tropicals – Croton Petra

Botanical name: Codiaeum Variegatum ‘Petra’

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: grows between 2-5 ft

Hardy zone: zones 10-13

Foliage color: green, yellow, red, orange, pink

Growth rate: grows up to 1 ft a year

Pruning instructions: trim and shape as desired in the winter

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: provides evergreen color to a garden

Light needs: about 3-6 hours of sun a day

Special features: striking colors in foliage

Watering instructions: allow soil to partially dry in between watering sessions

Fertilizing instructions : fertilize once a month in the spring and summer with 3-1-2

Best time to plant: spring or summer

Best type of soil: loam or sand

Companion plants: lantana, shrimp plant, pentas

Toxicity level: potentially mildly toxic if ingested

Invasive species: no