Landscape Showroom / RLC Selection Guide

Mammy Croton for Tampa Landscapes

Codiaeum variegatum ‘Mammy’

Also called: Mamey croton; twisted-leaf croton

Mammy croton brings curled, narrow leaves and warm red, orange and yellow tones to a planting. Its compact, sculptural look is useful when a broad-leaf croton would feel too heavy near a walkway.

Plan this with RLC →

AI-generated illustration. Actual plants and materials vary; confirm the supplied selection with RLC.

At a glance

Where it fits

Use a small repeating group with a plain green backdrop. Give the curled leaves enough space to be seen as individual plants. A lower green border can make the foliage color easier to appreciate without creating a crowded patchwork of textures.

Sizes and varieties

Mammy is a named croton selection, not a young Petra. Curl, color and plant fullness vary with maturity and growing conditions. Ask for a consistent batch if the plants will frame an entry symmetrically.

Care through the seasons

Inspect new foliage for mites or scale when color or vigor changes. Adjust exposure gradually if a nursery-grown plant has been shaded. After a freeze, wait until the extent of damage is clear before making a hard cut. Wear gloves when handling broken stems because croton sap can irritate skin.

Placement mistakes to avoid

An exposed frost pocket or a bed with unreliable irrigation is a poor place to promise year-round color. Keep foliage and seeds away from children or pets that chew plants.

Buying size is not finished size

Commonly 3-gallon; smaller and larger sizes vary by nursery. These are nursery formats to ask about, not a live stock list or a guaranteed height. Compare the actual canopy, root ball, cultivar and overall condition. Leave room for the mature plant, even when a new installation initially looks open.

Planning the installation

Measure the usable bed, including space around windows, paths, utilities and irrigation. Show RLC both a wide view and the details of the existing ground. Discuss removals, preparation, access and watering before choosing a quantity. A larger plant may give more presence on day one, but the right location and establishment care still determine the result.

What affects cost?

Relative starting plant tier: Quote on selection. A tier compares material categories; it is not an installed price. Nursery size, fullness, quantity, delivery access, removals and irrigation changes can alter the quote. Compare the whole scope, including the selected variety and size.

Common question

Is Mammy simply a smaller Petra croton?

No. The leaf shape is different, and the cultivar matters. Choose Mammy for its twisted narrow foliage rather than assuming every compact croton will have that look.

Reference: Plant or product information. Planning guidance reviewed September 2026. Availability and installed prices are confirmed by quote.