My guess is depending on what sun and water you give it could determine how big it gets. Perhaps she keeps it pruned and didn't think about that.

That's probably true.... but after doing further research I think it may be the 'Compacta' variety which is smaller, but does get bigger than she described.

As a side note... It seems that someone who propagates their own plants to sell at an arboretum plant sale would have concrete knowledge about the botanical name, variety, and exact conditions preferred by the plants they are selling. I know I would. I will research anything I buy, but not every buyer does that. If I listened to just her advice, I might plant it in the shade, yet everything I've read so far indicates that this plant loves hot sun!!!

Sigh.... another mystery plant that I'll probably have to move a few times. :(

Jen

This plant is alot more common in really hot summer areas than in California, where the cooler nights and cooler, wet winters will tend to inhibit it becoming as large as it would in more tropical locations. It comes from the West Indies, and in a California garden will prefer a full sun spot with reflected heat, and will tend to go deciduous in winter unless it is in a very protected spot. I would suggest giving it similar conditions as you would give a Plumeria. Likely size here at full growth is more like 8 to 10 feet tall. It is said to be hardy down to 25F, and will return from the roots, but this presumes you give it very good drainage and the plant is not a young seedling. I tried growing it up here in Berkeley, but it wasn't happy with our too cool summers, and never did much. I am sure it would be much happier somewhere reliably hot in summer.

I agree with your side note, Jen! I can't tell you how many times I've been a frustrated buyer when plant info is scarce. Even if they don't propagate them, they really should know what the heck they're talking about if they're going to sell them...let alone get the plant names right! Very annoying, to be sure.

Brenda

UPDATE!!

It's now almost 4 years later. I planted my Jatropha in front of a south-facing fence where it gets sun all day. The fence is backed by our neighbor's juniper trees which provide some shelter. Nevertheless, it goes dormant every winter. Now, in early spring, it is beginning to leaf out. I'm keeping it somewhat limbed up to grow as a small tree. (I'm waaay behind on gardening... this area needs mulching and tending and I plan to plant some smaller plants around it later this year.)

It is somewhat slow growing, and beautiful!! in bloom -- can't wait to see it later this year.

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