During my stay in the Okinawa main island (which is the largest of the Okinawa and Ryukyu islands of Japan) last December, I saw many varieties of garden croton being grown along the streets in home gardens, store fronts and places of tourist interest. The gardeners there are just so fond of the plant's colourful foliage!

They made good use of the plant's leaf that comes in various shapes to create texture, hence giving their green patches more contrast and excitement.

Even in winter when the temperature drops, the garden crotons were looking quite happy!

There were so many cultivars being planted.

Some have even grown into a tree.

Garden croton is botanically named Codiaeium variegatum.

Although there are so many cultivars of this species, with each one manifesting different leaf colourations, patterns and shapes, you are still able to recognise a garden croton easily. This is because all of them come in a mixture of bright tropical colours and their variegated leaves are thick and leathery.

I have not planted a twisted leaf one before. Have you?

The main botanical garden there is called the Southeast Botanical Gardens. At dusk, the winter illumination there is a must-see. You can read about my experience there here.

Happy gardening!