Passing My Test

[ScotTi]

I tired I planting Crotons in my garden only to have them drop leaves in the Winter. I now put them through a chill test. Any Crotons purchased in the warm months now must sit in their pots through the chilly months. To pass the test no leaf drop or very little (30% or less) and the plants are then planted in the garden. Here are the first two to go into the ground this year after passing the test with 0% leaf drop. BTW I have no names on these.

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[Phil Stager]

Scott -
Top two look like Duke of Windsor - quite cold hardy (for a croton). The thin leaf ones do the worst for me over here in St. Pete - e.g. Interuptum (defoliates at 38F); Picasso's Paintbrush (never had one make it through a winter); Spiralis (looking rough right now).

 

[Native son]

I tired I planting Crotons in my garden only to have them drop leaves in the Winter. I now put them through a chill test. Any Crotons purchased in the warm months now must sit in their pots through the chilly months. To pass the test no leaf drop or very little (30% or less) and the plants are then planted in the garden. Here are the first two to go into the ground this year after passing the test with 0% leaf drop. BTW I have no names on these.

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I M O Duke of Windsor. and Irresistible both have been good growers for me. Best not in full sun. I have two or three of both.

 

[ScotTi]

Thanks guys!

Phil, Get yourself a P. Paintbrush! I have learned my lesson with P. Paintbrush (My #1 fav Croton). I have it planted in a clay pot sitting on the Lanai. When the cold weather comes it gets pulled up to the backdoor under the roof out of the cold winds.

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This has worked for this one for 2 yrs now.​

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