I originally purchased my crotons in spring 2011 for less than $5 a plant. I intended to grow them as annuals, but they have overwintered nicely and are still going strong. They grow very quickly while enjoying the heat of a Texas summer. Here they are after growing for just one growing season.
Fast forward to spring 2013. After a luxurious winter in the greenhouse, the crotons bask in the early morning light.
These plants can take an amazing amount of sun for a houseplant. I have seen these plants displayed at big stores in way more sun then I give them at home. I keep mine outside from April through November and then store them in the greenhouse for the winter at a night time temperature of about 40 degrees.
If you're looking for brilliant patterns combined with greens, yellows, pinks and reds, then you'll love the easy going and beautiful croton.
For more great foliage ideas, check with Pam at Digging where you will find her foliage followup blog on Berkley Sedge. Check her comments section for links to other interesting blogs about foliage.
I envy your greenhouse. If I had space to overwinter these, I'd have several, too.
ReplyDeleteLove those colors.
I'm a lucky girl. I love my greenhouse. When I originally first bought the crotons, I wasn't even sure they would over winter in the greenhouse with a 40 degree low temperature. I was really surprised by hardy they are.
DeleteThat is one awesome display of croton! I'd love to have the option of storing them, but for now I'll enjoy the amazing colors in your beautiful setting.
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed by how beautiful these plants are in the morning light. The photos don't due them justice.
DeleteLovely plants - which we over here in England can only grow as houseplants. I also wish I had a green house!
ReplyDeleteLuckily, croton will grow indoors in a sunny window. Having a greenhouse is definitely a blessing when it comes to my tropical plants. Texas has hot summers, but we get pretty cold in the winter.
DeleteCrotons are one of the staples of our gardens here in the tropical north of Oz. They're not houseplants for us, and grows outdoors all year round. I don't think there's a garden anywhere here that doesn't have at least one! They are simply the most brilliant plant for foliage colour.
ReplyDeleteI've been to places where houseplants grow wild out of doors. One of my earliest recollections was seeing a pothos ivy in the wild. The leaves were huge. It was pretty amazing. I love being able to bring that kind of wonder to my backyard.
DeleteGreat colors in the croton leaves, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThat's a plant I've never grown. It really does brighten up the garden with those colorful, tropical leaves.
ReplyDelete