Candy corn plants, also known as Tri-colored Euphorbia or Euphorbia bicolor, have an interesting growth pattern that varies depending on the climate they are grown in. In warmer climates, candy corn plants can be grown as evergreen shrubs, providing year-round foliage and color to the garden. However, in cooler areas, candy corn plants are often grown as annuals or treated as tender perennials.
In regions with mild winters and temperatures that don’t dip below freezing, candy corn plants can retain their evergreen foliage throughout the year. This can be a delightful addition to the garden, as the vibrant yellow, orange, and red hues of the plant’s leaves create a striking display. Having candy corn plants as evergreen shrubs allows for a consistent pop of color in the landscape, even during the colder months when many other plants go dormant.
On the other hand, in areas with colder winters, candy corn plants may not survive the freezing temperatures. In these regions, candy corn plants are often treated as annuals, meaning they are planted and enjoyed for one growing season before they die back in the winter. This is similar to how many other tender plants, like impatiens or begonias, are grown in cooler climates.
However, there is a possibility for candy corn plants to come back year after year in cooler areas, depending on the severity of the winter and the specific conditions in which they are grown. Some gardeners have successfully overwintered candy corn plants by providing them with protection during the colder months. This can be done by placing a layer of mulch around the base of the plant to insulate the roots or by covering the plant with a frost blanket during freezing temperatures.
Personal experience: In my own garden, I have grown candy corn plants as annuals in a region with colder winters. I enjoyed their vibrant colors and unique foliage throughout the summer and fall. Once winter arrived, the plants died back, and I removed them from the garden. However, I have heard from other gardeners in my area who have successfully overwintered candy corn plants by providing them with extra protection. It seems that with the right care and attention, candy corn plants can potentially survive and come back year after year, even in cooler climates.
To summarize, candy corn plants can be grown as evergreen shrubs in warmer climates, providing year-round foliage and color. In cooler areas, they are often treated as annuals and die back in the winter. However, with proper protection and care, there is a possibility for candy corn plants to survive and come back year after year in cooler regions as well.
