Picasso’s Paintbrush Croton

[Looking Glass]

One of the nurseries here finally got a load of 3g Picasso’s Paintbrush in their croton pile for $9.99, so this time I grabbed some right away.  I’ve been eyeballing around, when I’m out, for this one.  Curious if anyone is growing these….

Was hoping to grow these in sun out front, but not sure if they’ll fry or not.   Any advice?  I was going to just dig a hole and pack with peat, manure and fertilizer, which usually works the magic for other crotons here.  They are certainly different anatomically than any other crotons I’ve got though.  

 

It’s been a wet start to the wet season here.   Raining heavy 1-2x per day for 10+ days straight now.  Most of the plants like it, but man…. It’s a lot.  

 

Edited June 11, 2022 by Looking Glass

[Marie Nock]

Yes, they'll do well in full sun.  The sun is necessary to keep them in good color.

[Looking Glass]

31 minutes ago, Marie Nock said:

Yes, they'll do well in full sun.  The sun is necessary to keep them in good color.

Sweet.   I’ve got plenty of sun.   I imagine with time, these get pretty big, like most crotons, but I’ve never seen a grown specimen of this one.   Will be interesting to see what they become.  

……Now, if anybody sees any “Stoplight” around here, let me know.   

If anyone has pics of a grown-up paintbrush post away.   

[Marie Nock]

13 hours ago, Looking Glass said:

Sweet.   I’ve got plenty of sun.   I imagine with time, these get pretty big, like most crotons, but I’ve never seen a grown specimen of this one.   Will be interesting to see what they become.  

……Now, if anybody sees any “Stoplight” around here, let me know.   

If anyone has pics of a grown-up paintbrush post away.   

They're really slow to grow and over time will get fuller rather than taller.  I don't think I've ever seen one that was taller than 3'.  Remember to fertilize 3 times a year.

[metalfan]

I have had one for about 15-16 years. Got it years ago at one of the Rambles at Fairchild Gardens. It has never gotten large for me. It stays nice and bushy but has never grown in height. You almost never see these anymore. Which is a shame

[realarch]

Boy, that’s an attractive little Croton. Selective clumps in the garden would really add some color. Thanks for the post. 

Tim