Overview
Eleanor Roosevelt Croton is a tropical evergreen shrub selected for long narrow leaves speckled and splashed with golden yellow. Older foliage develops orange, bronze, and burgundy tones, giving Tampa landscapes strong year-round color without relying on flowers.
Mature Size and Habit
In a warm protected site, this cultivar commonly reaches 4 to 6 feet tall and 3 to 5 feet wide.
Best Landscape Uses
Use it as a colorful foundation accent, in a tropical mixed border, beneath open-canopy palms, beside an entry, or in a large patio container. Repeating several plants produces a cohesive ribbon of color and makes cold protection easier.
Sunlight
Full sun to partial sun supports the strongest yellow spotting and compact growth.
Soil, Drainage, and Irrigation
Plant in fertile, well-drained soil with the root flare at grade. Water deeply during establishment, then irrigate when the upper soil begins to dry.
Best Planting Season for Tampa and Central Florida
Plant from spring through early fall after freeze risk has eased, allowing roots to establish in warm soil.
Pruning and Maintenance
Tip-prune during active warm-season growth to maintain density and remove crossing or damaged stems. Wait until new growth begins before cutting suspected freeze damage.
Wildlife Value
The small inconspicuous flowers provide limited direct wildlife value, while dense foliage offers minor shelter.
Cold and Heat Sensitivity
Eleanor Roosevelt Croton handles Tampa heat and humidity when moisture is steady, but it is sensitive to cold wind, frost, and freezing temperatures. A protected courtyard or south-facing wall reduces winter injury.
Safety, Roots, and Placement Warnings
Broken leaves and stems release sap that can irritate skin and eyes, and plant material is toxic if eaten.
Invasive Concerns
This cultivar is not native to Florida and is not generally listed as invasive. Keep it in maintained beds, remove unexpected seedlings or rooted stem pieces, and dispose of pruning debris responsibly rather than placing live material near natural areas.
Helpful Resources
See UF/IFAS Plant Directory guidance and NC State Extension's species profile.