The Croton Gold Dust (Codiaeum variegatum ‘Gold Dust’) is a compact, colorful evergreen shrub whose glossy green leaves look as though they have been sprinkled with gold. Tougher and tidier than many large-leaf crotons, it is a go-to for adding year-round color to sunny beds, foundations, and containers across South Florida.
Why Florida Customers Choose Us
Croton Gold Dust Breakdown
Appearance:
Small, oval, leathery leaves in deep green, densely speckled with bright yellow to gold spots.
The plant grows full and bushy from the ground up, with the brightest "gold dust" on the newest leaves.
Growth Rate:
Moderate.
Fills in at a steady pace and takes well to light shaping.
Size:
3–6 feet tall and 2–4 feet wide if left alone; easily held at 2–4 feet with occasional trimming.
Available in 3-gallon (12–14 inches) and 7-gallon (20–24 inches).
Sunlight Requirements:
Full sun to part shade.
More sun means more gold; in deep shade the foliage turns mostly green.
Water Needs:
Moderate.
Water regularly while establishing and during dry spells; established plants handle short droughts but hold color better with consistent moisture.
Soil Preferences:
Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil enriched with organic matter.
Avoid soggy, poorly drained sites.
Maintenance:
Medium.
Pinch or lightly prune in spring to keep it dense, feed 2–3 times a year, and watch for scale or mealybugs. The milky sap can irritate skin, so wear gloves when trimming.
Landscape Use:
Color accent, low informal hedge, foundation plantings, mixed tropical borders, and patio containers.
Pairs well with dark green hedges like Clusia or Podocarpus.
Climate Tolerance:
USDA zones 10–11.
Thrives in South Florida heat and humidity; foliage drops in a cold snap below about 40°F, so plant in a spot sheltered from winter wind.
For dependable, no-fuss color that does not depend on flowers, Gold Dust is one of the easiest crotons to live with — and it looks good every month of the year.
Florida Delivery Available
We have in-stock Croton Gold Dust ready to ship throughout Florida. Multiple sizes available with professional installation options. Order online or text/call 561-898-2028 for expert advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to Plant & Care for Croton Gold Dust in Florida
Choose Sun + Spacing
Most Florida plants prefer full to partial sun. Check mature width and space accordingly so plants don’t crowd as they fill in.
Dig Wide, Not Deep
Dig a hole 2–3x wider than the container and slightly shallow. This encourages roots to spread outward into native soil.
Plant at Proper Height
Remove from the pot, loosen circling roots, and plant with the root ball level to slightly above grade.
Water to Establish
Water deeply right after planting. For the first 10–14 days, consistent moisture is critical—don’t let the root ball dry out.
Mulch + Light Maintenance
Apply 2–3 inches of mulch (keep off the stem). Once settled, light trimming encourages fuller growth.
Professional Installation Available: Not comfortable planting yourself? We offer expert installation services throughout Florida. Our team has 15+ years of experience ensuring your plants thrive. Call 561-898-2028 to add installation to your order.
What Florida Customers Say
I bought 12 plants. All in excellent condition. Good size. Delivery was on time. Thank you. I recommend it.
Great price for plants with delivery in PBC. They also did the install and did a great job! I ordered Saturday and had everything in by end of Tuesday. They were quick, upfront with pricing, reasonable and the plants are healthy and gorgeous. Highly recommend!
After scouring the internet for reviews for Landscapers I came across Dino's Palms and sure glad I did! The owner's husband and wife came and were very helpful picking out everything we wanted! We made a deal on doing my entire property and they personally came with a crew to install in one day! The plants were healthy and beautiful and the price for everything was much cheaper than anyone else!
