Codiaeum variegatum
'Gold Dust'
Gold Dust Croton, Gold Dust Garden Croton
| Family |
| Euphorbiaceae |
| Genus |
| Codiaeum |
| Species |
| variegatum |
| Cultivar |
| 'Gold Dust' |
| Category |
| Perennials, Tropicals |
| Type |
| Shrub (evergreen) |
| USDA Hardiness Zone |
| 10a - 11 |
| Canadian Hardiness Zone |
| Requires cold season protection under glass. |
| RHS Hardiness Zone |
| H1c - H3 |
| Temperature (°C) |
| -5 - 10 |
| Temperature (°F) |
| 23 - 50 |
| Height |
| 0.9 - 1.8 m |
| Spread |
| 0.6 - 1.5 m |
| Cultivation |
| Grows best in direct sunlight with rich, fast draining soil in high humidity. Water often in the active growing season, sparingly in the dormant season. |
| Shape |
| Upright. |
| Growth |
| Medium |
| Pests |
| Scale, spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, root rot and leaf spots. |
| Habitat |
| Horticultural origin. |
| Leaf Description |
| Leaves have short stalks. Leaves are stiletto shaped and variegated with a spotted pattern. |
| Flower Description |
| Tiny and star-shaped, hanging down on long racemes. |
| Colour Description |
| Leaves are variegated, with a dark green base and yellow spots. Flowers are white or yellow. |
| Texture Description |
| Leaves are smooth and leathery. |
| Notable Specimens |
| Centennial Conservatory, Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada. |
| Propagation |
| By root or stem cutting. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer) |
| Poisonous if leaves or seeds are eaten. Sap can be a skin irritant, so wear gloves when handling. |