Croton 'Petra'

One of the most popular landscaping plants in Florida. You'll see it in front yards, parking lots, and next to curbs/sidewalks all over t...Read Morehe state. Thought it is overused it has a flair that makes it stand out in a tropical landscape. Looks great in a mass planting. It is fairly hardy surviving a prolonged freeze here that dipped to 28 F with no dieback. Drought tolerance is average. I planted two and one got killed by the weed eater. The less vigorous one was spared and it barely grew 5 inches in 3 years. This plant grows SLOW! It hasn't seemed to respond to osmocote either. I love the leaves so I'll keep it, hoping it puts on some size because they look really good when they do!

Petra had held all her leaves here in the SF bay area until Jan 1st. That's when we had an unpredicted freeze of 32f. Uncovered it seemed...Read More to hold up. But,by February when temps were getting warmer it began to defoliate. One of three in a pot pictured,might have died,the other dropped almost all its leaves but the stem and trunk seem alive. The third- the tallest in my photo has its top 50% of leaves..dropped the lower oldest leaves for some reason.Usually its the top that are killed -right?
So,I would say Petra will not take a frost as a potted plant well.
I wish I has put it on the porch for winter. There,with a roof over it I might have a still fine looking plant.

I am not sure what to think of my Croton yet. The last one I had died very quickly so about 2 years later I just bought another (quite l...Read Morearge~ so I've separated it into 3 planters) and so far all 3 seem to be doing OK....leaves keep falling off though. Guess I will just wait and see

This is my first croton and I just love it. So much color in one pot. I keep it in a northeastern facing window that gets full morning li...Read Moreght and after only three months in my home it has doubled in size. This plant is a must try.