I remember seeing some decent crotons (Codiaeum) in San Diego many years ago.

They were in the large landscaping at the Mission Valley Mall.

They looked great in the summer time and tired/droopy in the winter time.

Eventually they succumbed to a really bads case of spider mites.

The reason they did well in the Mall was because they were planted among other tropicalia under the eaves. The humidity was always very high, at least in their early lives. I am sure that that is what they need to do well.

I also don't think they like cold wet soil in winter.

Joe

you dont say where in CA you are?
i am in culver city,and have found the thin leaved ones do better than the broad leaved ones
all,will look sad after the winter,but the thin leaved ones look better

Dear Gaza and Guru:

Thank you for your posts. I have about three kinds,
"fiddle leaves", leaves the size of rubber tree, and the
spiriling thin leaved kinds, planted in front of some
cliva and under a canopy of 10'tall brugmansia.
Too bad they look sickly while the clivas and brugs look
so beautiful. I live in the Inland Empire, San Bernardino, Sunset Zone 19, USDA zone 9.

thanks
boomchuckchuck

I find that crotons definitely need warmth during the winter months. Several years ago, before I added a sunroom to the main house, I used to purchase crotons in nurseries and at grocery stores, but they would all die in the winter. Now, I have two of them in fairly large containers in the sunroom and they are thriving, even with less humidity than I thought they'd require. My favorite croton is called "Indian blanket" due to its dark multi-colored leaves.

I live in nothern Sac. I am new to this state for planting and we are landscaping. I was just in Mexico and found the most beautiful Aubrey Christian Croton tree that I fell in love with. Can anyone in the area tell me if it will work in my yard. I would like to put one in a special corner of my yard. If not, I am open to suggestions of a beautiful tree. I am only in Sac Jan-May and Sept-Nov. so I would want it to look the best then. Eventually I will be here in the summer months. I found the actual plant name on line and now I cannot find the link for a photo, but I have a photo I can send someone of the tree I took a photo of.

Thank you.

Diana,

I'm glad to see that you made it to this forum. I mentioned to you at 'Wayward' that I had posted your photo here for identification. It's in the *what is it* thread.

Here is a link that might be useful: Your Croton Photo

I had Mammy come through last winter fine and potted up to a 5 gallon this year. Petra- the one with large leaves that most think of- was doing fine until New Years Day and a surprise 32f. I was told 39f was going to be the low. 2/3rds of Petra died. It has grown back with leafs half the size of last years. THEY must be covered in a frost. I'm in the east SF bay area. How they will do in a El Nino year ? We will see....

Petra died the very next winter. I still might try again. WInter it on the porch may work. Its an open porch,not enclosed. It can still get cold at night.

Picked this up at HD. "Curly Boy". I've been told its as hardy as they come.

I should have mentioned that the hardiest for California are Mammy,Mrs Iceton,Fiddle leafed Crotons and most of the thinner leafed "gold dust" types. "Petra" is not in that group and yes,i'm fighting a hard fight to win with the her.