Croton 'Petra'

Croton 'Petra', or Codiaeum variegatum 'Petra', is the most widely grown croton, a tropical evergreen shrub from Malaysia, the Pacific islands and northern Australia. Its leathery, pointed oval leaves are dark green with bold yellow, pink and orange to red markings along the veins. Give it full sun to part shade; bright light brings the strongest color, and low light lets leaves fade toward green. Use rich, well drained soil and water when the top inch dries, less in winter. Hardy only in USDA zones 11 and 12, it grows outdoors in South and Central Florida and in containers elsewhere, with leaf drop where temperatures stay below 50 degrees F. Expect 2 to 8 feet outdoors, about 3 feet indoors, with small, insignificant flowers. The milky sap causes contact dermatitis, and all parts are toxic in quantity. 'Petra' keeps bright color in indoor light, which sets it apart indoors.