Care Of Outdoor Croton Plants: How To Grow A Croton Outdoors
An unforgettable sight when exiting the airplane terminal at Cabo San Lucas are the huge brightly colored croton plants that line the edges of the buildings. These popular tropical plants are hardy to USDA zones 9 to 11. For many of us, that leaves our experience with the plant simply as a houseplant. However, croton in the garden can be enjoyed during the summer and sometimes into the early fall. You just need to learn some rules about how to grow a croton outdoors.
Croton in the Garden
Crotons are thought to be native to Malaysia, India, and some of the South Pacific Islands. There are many species and cultivars, but the plants are most known for their easy maintenance and colorful foliage, often with interesting variegation or speckling. Can you grow a croton outdoors? It depends where your zone is located and what your average low temperatures are per year. Croton is very frost tender and will not survive freezing temperatures. Southern gardeners in frost free zones should have no problem growing croton plants outside. Anyone who lives where there are temperatures that near freezing or 32 degrees F. (0 C.), even temperatures that hover in the 40's (4 C.) can be damaging. That is why some gardeners choose to grow croton in containers on casters. That way, even the slightest threat of cold temps and the plant can be moved to a sheltered location. Care of outdoor croton may also include covering the plant if it is in the ground. The thing to remember is that these are tropical plants and are not suited for freezing temperatures, which can kill the foliage and even the roots. Since croton hardiness is limited to freezing and even slightly above, northern gardeners should not attempt to grow the plant outdoors except in the warmest days of summer. Position the plant so it receives plenty of bright but indirect light to keep the foliage colors bright. Also, place the plant where it will not experience cold northern winds. Use well-draining potting soil and a container large enough to encompass the root ball with a little bit of growing room. Croton does not like to be transplanted, which should only be done every three to five years or as needed.
Care of Outdoor Croton Plants
Plants grown outdoors in appropriate zones will need slightly more water than those inside. This is because sunlight evaporates moisture and wind has a tendency to dry out soil quickly. Watch for pests and disease and handle immediately. When larger plants in the ground are in danger of a cold snap, cover them with a burlap sack or old blanket. To prevent breaking limbs, push in some stakes around the plant to handle the weight of the covering. Mulch around plants with at least 2 inches (5 cm.) of organic material. This will help protect roots from cold, prevent competitive weeds, and slowly feed the plant as the material breaks down. Where freezes are early and severe, grow plants in containers and move them in as soon as fall starts to arrive. This should save the plant and you can care for it indoors until the first warm rays of spring when it can go back outside after all danger of frost has passed.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Bonnie Grant is a professional landscaper with a Certification in Urban Gardening. She has been gardening and writing for 15 years. A former professional chef, she has a passion for edible landscaping.
-
Grow A Music Garden: Hit The High Notes By Making Musical Instruments From Nature
Music lovers and gardening lovers can find a natural groove using items growing and resting around them. Find out how easy it is making musical instruments from nature
By Teo Spengler
-
Why You Should Eat Invasive Plants – A Tasty Way To Control Unwanted Species
Eat invasive plants for nutrition and their amazing varied flavors, but be sure to properly identify the plant and know how to eat it.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Different Croton Plants: Types Of Croton Houseplants
When it comes to different croton plants, the selection of varieties is nearly endless and none are boring. Click to learn more.
By Mary H. Dyer
-
Cutting Back Croton Leaves: Should You Prune Crotons
Crotons can grow quite leggy, and leaves may develop damage due to thrip feeding. Cutting back a croton can help you acquire a thicker bush or remove ugly leaves. Whatever the purpose, a few tips on croton pruning from this article will help.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Croton Leaves Are Fading – Why Is My Croton Losing Its Color
Who doesn?t love the bright colors of croton plants? But sometimes the bright colors on a croton fade, leaving them with ordinary looking green leaves. It can be disappointing to notice a croton losing color. Learn how to remedy this in the article that follows.
By Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez
-
Croton Leaf Drop – Why Is My Croton Dropping Leaves
Your brilliant indoor croton plant is dropping leaves like crazy. Don't panic. Leaf drop on croton plants can be expected any time the plant is stressed. You just need to know how to give croton what it needs to thrive. Click here to learn more.
By Gardening Know How
-
Growing Crotons: Best Care For Croton Plants
Growing crotons is easier than you might think, as our experts reveal the secrets to successfully caring for this popular tropical plant.
By Heather Rhoades