Mammy Croton

Mammy Croton (Codiaeum variegatum 'Mammy') is a rounded tropical shrub that carries black, red, yellow and green on the same slender, slightly rippled leaves. It grows up to 1m tall and wide, so it fits a pot, a feature spot or a low hedge, and its colour holds right through the year.

Why you'll love it

• Colour on every leaf. Black, red, yellow, orange and green blend across the foliage, and the display lasts all year.
• A compact size. Up to 1m tall and wide, it is easy to place in a small bed, a pot or a hedge line.
• Lights up dark corners. It grows in full sun to part shade, so it can bring a splash of colour to the dull areas of the garden.
• Hardy and coastal friendly. A hardy shrub that suits most conditions and coastal plantings.
• Equally good in pots. It grows well in containers outdoors, and indoors as a feature plant.

Where it works best

Feature shrub. Use a single plant as a colour focal point in a tropical bed or at an entry. The foliage does the work all year, so flowers are not needed.

Low hedges. Plant 60cm apart in a row for a colourful low hedge up to 1m high.

Pots, indoors and out. A large pot on a patio or beside a pool works well, and indoors it adds colour near a bright window.

Growing Mammy Croton in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun to part shade, and more light brings stronger colour. It is a tropical plant, so it is at its best in tropical and subtropical gardens and it is not frost hardy. In cooler southern gardens, grow it in a pot and move it under cover when the cold sets in.

Soil. Free-draining soil rich in organic matter. In pots, a humus-rich potting mix is ideal.

Water and feed. Mulch and water well. Established plants like regular water through the warm months, and a slow release fertiliser in spring keeps the colour strong.

Pruning. Prune after flowering to promote new growth. Crotons sometimes drop leaves as a shock response to a change of position, light or watering, and the plant grows them back.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Mammy Croton as tube stock, a young plant in an 80mm deep tube that establishes quickly, in 140mm pots in packs of 10, in 200mm pots in packs of 6 and in 300mm pots, sold singly. Tubes suit a low hedge on a budget, while the larger pots arrive with more leaf and colour for a feature spot. Expect a little leaf drop after delivery as the plant adjusts, with new growth following once it settles in warmth. Plants travel upright and settle quickly once watered in.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• More tropical plants for Australian gardens
• Plants for poolside gardens
• Indoor plants for Australian homes
• Designing a tropical garden that looks lush year round

Common questions

Can I grow it indoors?

Yes. Give it a bright position with plenty of light, because colour fades in low light, and keep it away from cold draughts.

Why is it dropping leaves?

Crotons often drop leaves after a change of light, watering or position. It is a shock response, and the plant grows them back.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Crotons are toxic if eaten and the sap can irritate skin, so keep the plant away from cats, dogs and small children.