PlantFiles: Croton
Codiaeum variegatum 'Mammy'

Crotons are one of the standard landscape plants in SW FL. Mammy stands out (my opinion) from most because of the vibrant color and unusual foliage. They are suseptable to mealy.

We grow ours indoors because of extremes in summer/winter. A year ago, the new leaves grew long, thin, and very twisted (corkscrew-like). This year the newer set of leaves are oval and kind of flat. Leaves deepen in red color as the leaves age.

I planted mine in September outdoors, in ground, in part sun with cacti and succulents. As of the end of December it has all its leaves,looks fine and has taken countless 50 degrees high and 41 low temperatures.Also, Including a pair of 37 degree dips at dawn.
I dont know how long they will do well. They are said like all tropical crotons to not be able to handle my San Francisco bay area temperatures-winter or cool night summers.
One thing that seems to suit them is a sheltered spot,not full sun as in tropical climates, and planting in fast draining soil on a slightly raised mound. So far, so good.

E. 'Mamey' has knock your sox off colors to adorn any yard in central and south Florida. It is becoming more available every day. I purchased mine at a farmer's market. It is 4 ft tall and very thick. I will plant it in a protected area because frost could cause it to drop some leaves.

Some sources list this plant as E. 'Mammy.'