[Daisy]

I found this pretty little shrub in a local garden centre.
The people in the garden centre, didn't know what it's name is.
They also couldn't tell me what size it would grow to, what conditions it likes, or how long it may flower for.
In fact, they knew nothing about it at all.
I have looked in all my books but cannot find it.
Does anybody know it?
Daisy  

[Alevin]

Looks like Jatropha integerrima.

[Alisdair]

Do you grow Jatropha integerrima at La Mortella, Alessandra? Coming from the Caribbean, presumably it's used to a pretty wet hot season. So I'd guess that it needs quite a bit of watering, and perhaps high humidity, to do well in mediterranean conditions? It seems to be much more popular in subtropical countries, and areas such as the South East states of the US, than in say the Med or California. Do you think it's worth a try in mediterranean conditions for people who are short of water?
It's certainly a striking plant. Worth knowing that although it can grow to quite a large shrub, or even a small tree, if happy, there is a dwarf cultivar, called I think 'Compacta'.

[oron peri]

Jatropha integrrima is very common in gardens down here,
it is quite a droght resistant plant, in sever cases it will loos  most of its folige but will continue flowering throgh most of the year.
It can grow even in higher and colder places in winter, such as Jerusalem as long as it is planted near a wall that protects it from the winds.
Take in considaration that all parts of the plant are toxic.

[Daisy]

Thank-you all. That is such useful information, and so quick.
I am so glad that it flowers for a long time. In a tiny garden like mine, anything long flowering is invaluable.
I have planted it against a north eastern facing wall and will see how it goes.
Daisy

[pamela]

I grow  J. integerrima in the Costa Blanca.  Although its quite new, its doing very well.   I think its from the Euphorbia family

[Alevin]

Do you grow Jatropha integerrima at La Mortella, Alessandra? Coming from the Caribbean, presumably it's used to a pretty wet hot season. So I'd guess that it needs quite a bit of watering, and perhaps high humidity, to do well in mediterranean conditions?

Actually in the lower garden our conditions are not tipically mediterranean ,not only we water a lot to keep the tropical planting - and specially the tree ferns- going, but also the island enjoys a good moisture rate in all weathers expetc windy days; not for nothing it was known as "the green island" - it is still covered in woods.
Anyhow, Jatropha is in a pot on one of the terraces, and it gets plenty of water.

[Daisy]

I now have two Jatropha integerrima in pots. They are extremely happy and flower all through the spring, summer, autumn and into the first half of the winter. The trouble is that they have become large enough to grow over the neighbouring plants. I read somewhere, that they can be cut back really hard. Has anybody tried this? Do they sulk, or just get on with it in spring?
I presume that late winter/early spring would be the best time to do this. Any thoughts?
My two are now both about 2 metres high and wide.
Daisy

winter 2014 013 by Daisyincrete, on Flickr