Speckled Croton

Speckled Croton (Codiaeum variegatum 'Speckled') is a tropical foliage plant with large green leaves splashed with lime-yellow freckles all year round. It grows up to 2m tall and 1.5m wide, and it works as a colourful hedge, a garden feature or a pot plant. It loves warmth and humidity and needs protection from frost.

Why you'll love it

• Freckled foliage. Vibrant green leaves splashed with lime-yellow speckles brighten a shady bed or a bright room.
• Colour all year. The foliage carries the show in every season, with no dependence on flowers.
• Flexible size and use. Up to 2m by 1.5m, it works as a hedge, a feature plant or a container specimen.
• Made for tropical gardens. It loves humidity and warmth, so it settles into tropical and humid subtropical beds.
• Lights up dark areas. Sunny to part-shaded positions suit it, so it can bring a splash of colour to dull corners.

Where it works best

Tropical hedges. Plant 1m apart in a row for a lush, colourful hedge up to 2m high.

Pots, indoors and out. A large pot on a verandah or beside a pool shows off the speckled leaves, and indoors it makes a colourful plant for a bright room.

Tropical beds and dark corners. Pair it with palms, gingers and ferns for a layered tropical look, or use it to lift a dull corner of the garden.

Growing Speckled Croton in Australia

Position and climate. Sun to part shade. Speckled Croton loves humidity and warmth, so it is happiest in tropical and subtropical gardens. Protect it from frost. In cooler southern gardens, grow it in a pot and shelter it for winter.

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

Water and feed. Mulch and water well. Fertilise yearly with a slow release fertiliser.

Pruning. Prune only if the plant becomes leggy. Crotons occasionally drop leaves after a change of light or watering routine, but they grow them back.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Speckled 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 are the economical way to plant a hedge, while the larger pots arrive with more leaf for an instant feature. 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
• Plants for tropical climates
• Hardy tropical plants that handle wind and heat

Common questions

How big does it get?

Up to 2m tall and 1.5m wide. Plants in pots usually stay smaller than those in the ground.

Will it survive frost?

No. Protect it from frost. Where winters are cold, grow it in a pot and move it under cover, or enjoy it as an indoor plant.

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.