Codiaeum variegatum ‘Petra’ (Petra Croton)

Description

Petra Croton (Codiaeum variegatum)

Florida’s signature foliage with bold red, gold, and green leaves.

Petra Croton brings unmatched tropical color to Florida gardens. Its large, leathery leaves explode with vibrant streaks of yellow, red, and green — a bold choice for borders, entries, or container displays. One of the most reliable and widely available crotons, Petra is also featured in our Florida croton guide.

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📍 Highlights

• Light Needs: Full sun to partial shade (what does that mean?)
• Mature Size: 3–6 ft tall × 3–5 ft wide
• Growth Rate: Moderate
• Wildlife: Attracts pollinators; deer-resistant
• Hardiness: USDA Zones 10–11

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🔆 Light Conditions

Petra Croton develops its richest colors in full sun but tolerates filtered light or partial shade. In lower light, leaf color becomes darker and less variegated, while sunny exposures create brighter yellow and red tones. Avoid deep shade, which causes legginess and leaf drop.

Note: Crotons may drop leaves after relocation or cold snaps — this is normal and typically rebounds with warmth and moisture.

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📏 Mature Size

Expect this plant to reach:

• Height: 3–6 feet (can reach 8+ if left unpruned)
• Width: 3–5 feet

Petra has a naturally upright form that can be shaped or maintained as a hedge.

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🪴 Size at Sale

Container	Typical Height	Use Case
1 Gallon	10–14″	Starter plant / budget installs
3 Gallon	18–24″	Landscape-ready
7 Gallon	30–36″+	Instant impact / focal point

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📐 Spacing Guidelines

• Mass plantings: 3–4 ft apart
• Hedging: 2.5–3 ft on center
• Specimen use: 1 per 4–6 ft

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💧 Water & Soil

• Prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soil
• Tolerates sand, but benefits from organic matter
• Water regularly during establishment (first 90 days)
• Needs more water in full sun or during hot, dry spells

Petra can tolerate short dry periods once established but performs best with consistent moisture. Mulch helps stabilize soil temperature and moisture.

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🌸 Companion Plants

Petra looks great paired with:

• Ti Plant (Cordyline fruticosa)
• Foxtail Fern (Asparagus densiflorus)
• Trinette Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola ‘Trinette’)
• White Bird of Paradise

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🛠️ Maintenance

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Growth Rate: Moderate

• Grows 12–24″ per year depending on light and warmth
• Remove lower leaves as needed to tidy appearance
• Prune lightly for shape in spring or after frost recovery
• Cold-damaged leaves can be removed once new growth emerges

Irrigation Tips:

• Use drip lines or micro-spray to maintain even soil moisture
• Avoid overwatering — root rot is possible in soggy soil
• Monitor for wilting or crisp leaf edges in hot weather

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🛈 Source Notes & References

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• Florida’s Best Native Landscape Plants by Gil Nelson
• Florida Gardener’s Handbook by Tom MacCubbin
• Crotons in Florida – Pennate Group
• UF/IFAS Extension guidance on landscape crotons

Descriptions have been localized for west-central Florida conditions. All rights reserved to original authors and data providers.

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🛍️ Also Available In:

Tropical Harmony Bundle — a curated selection of Florida-friendly plants including Petra Croton, Foxtail Fern, and Cordyline.