Crotons come in a wide variety of leaf shapes and colors. Leaves can be short, long, twisted, thin, thick, and several of these combined. Colors range from green, variegated, yellow, red, orange, cream, pink, and black to a combination of all these. They make an excellent choice for container gardening on the porch, patio, or in outdoor living areas. They work well in tropical-themed containers or alongside annuals in the ground.