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Croton Mammy is an evergreen shrub with curled, multicolored leaves. Suitable for garden borders, foundation beds, and outdoor containers in Southwest Florida.
| Mature Height: | 4-6 ft. |
|---|---|
| Mature Width: | 4-6 ft. |
| Sunlight: | Full Sun to Part Sun (4-8+ Hours) |
| Water Needs: | Moderate |
| Growth Rate: | Moderate |
| Botanical Name: | Codiaeum variegatum 'Mamey' |
| Grows Well In Zones: | USDA Zones: 10-15 |
Croton Mammy – Curled, Colorful Foliage for Tropical Landscapes
Provides year-round foliage in shades of green, yellow, red, and burgundy. Suitable for garden borders, foundation plantings, and patio containers.
Croton Mammy (Codiaeum variegatum 'Mammy') is a tropical evergreen shrub with short, twisting leaves in shades of green, yellow, orange, red, and burgundy. It typically grows 3–5feet tall and 2–4 feet wide. In Southwest Florida, it is commonly used in garden borders, foundation beds, mixed tropical landscapes, and outdoor containers.
This shrub grows best in full sun to partial shade and prefers fertile, well-drained soil. Bright sunlight helps maintain its red, orange, and yellow leaf colors. Some afternoon shade mayprotect the foliage from scorching, while heavy shade can result in greener leaves.
For landscape planting, space Croton Mammy approximately 2–3 feet apart, depending on the starting plant size and desired coverage. It works well in grouped plantings or along thefront of larger garden beds.
Newly planted Croton Mammy needs regular watering while its roots become established. Mature plants prefer moderate soil moisture. Allow the upper inch of soil to begin dryingbetween waterings, and avoid locations where water collects after heavy rainfall.
Croton Mammy has a moderate growth rate and responds well to light pruning. Trimming branch tips encourages new growth and helps maintain its rounded shape. Older leaves maydevelop deeper red and burgundy tones as they mature.
This plant is sensitive to freezing temperatures and sudden changes in growing conditions. Cold weather may cause leaf damage or leaf drop, so sheltered planting locations are recommended.
Why You'll Love It
Compact, Full Growth: Develops dense foliage in a manageable shrub suitable for smaller residential landscape beds.
Tightly Curled Leaves: Produces short, twisting leaves that provide a different shape from broad-leaved Crotons and the longer foliage of Croton Dreadlocks.
Multicolored Foliage: Displays green, yellow, orange, red, and burgundy leaves, providing year-round color without relying on flowers.
Easy Size Management: Moderate growth and a naturally compact shape reduce the need for frequent heavy pruning.
Sun Requirements: Grows in full sun to partial shade, with brighter sunlight generally supporting stronger foliage color.
Water Needs: Requires regular watering during establishment and moderate moisture during active growth. Avoid saturated soil.
Mature Size: Approximately 3–5 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide, depending on growing conditions and pruning.
Best Uses: Small front yard beds, foundation borders, mixed Croton plantings, walkway gardens, patio containers, and layered tropical landscape beds.
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