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Croton DF 5 is an evergreen shrub with multicolored foliage for year-round color. Suitable for garden borders, foundation beds, and Southwest Florida landscapes.
| Mature Height: | 4'-6' |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 3-5 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Sun (4-8+ Hours) |
| Water Needs: | Moderate |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Botanical Name: | Codiaeum variegatum 'DF 5' |
| Grows Well In Zones: | USDA Zones: 10-12 |
Croton DF 5 – Colorful Evergreen Foliage for Garden Beds and Borders
Provides year-round leaf color in shades of green, yellow, orange, and red. Suitable for foundation plantings, tropical gardens, and outdoor containers.
Croton DF 5 (Codiaeum variegatum) is a tropical evergreen shrub with leaves in shades of green, yellow, orange, red, and bronze. It typically grows 3–6 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, depending ongrowing conditions and pruning. In Southwest Florida, it is commonly used in garden beds, foundation plantings, landscape borders, and outdoor containers.
This shrub grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Bright sunlight helps maintain its leaf colors, while some afternoon shade may prevent scorching in exposed locations.
For landscape planting, space Croton DF 5 approximately 2–3 feet apart, depending on the starting size and desired coverage. It can be planted in groups along borders or individually among solid-green shrubs.
Newly planted Croton DF 5 needs regular watering while its roots become established. Mature plants prefer moderate soil moisture, especially during hot, dry periods. Allow the upper layer of soil to begin drying between waterings and avoid areas with standing water. Croton DF 5 has a moderate growth rate and responds well to light pruning. Trim longer branches to control its size and encourage new growth. Young leaves may change color as they mature.
Croton DF 5 is sensitive to freezing temperatures and sudden changes in growing conditions. Cold weather may cause leaf discoloration or leaf drop, so sheltered planting locations are recommended.
Why You'll Love It
Colorful Compact Growth: Provides multiple foliage colors in a manageable shrub suitable for smaller residential planting beds.
Year-Round Leaf Color: Produces green, yellow, orange, red, and bronze foliage that maintains landscape color between flowering seasons.
Moderate Growth Rate: Develops at a steady pace and can be maintained at a desired height through occasional trimming.
Colorful Group Plantings: Several plants can be grouped to create continuous sections of multicolored foliage without using multiple plant varieties.
Sun Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade, with brighter sunlight generally supporting stronger leaf coloring.
Water Needs: Requires regular watering during establishment and moderate moisture during active growth. Avoid saturated soil.
Mature Size: Approximately 3–6 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning.
Best Uses: Front yard garden beds, landscape borders, foundation plantings, palm planting areas, entryway containers, and mixed shrub beds.
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