With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant.
With lush multicolored leaves, many larger than the palm of your hand, caladiums have become one of the most popular foliage plants for shady or semi-shady gardens—with many recent introductions being sun tolerant.
Each leaf seems to be hand painted with striking combinations of green, white, pink, and red. Although these tropical
Each leaf seems to be hand painted with striking combinations of green, white, pink, and red. Although these tropical
South American natives thrive in hot, humid weather, they can be grown as summer bulbs in more temperate climates, or even as houseplants given the right conditions. With a little pampering, these exotic shade dwellers create a glorious display rivaling that of any flowering plant
South American natives thrive in hot, humid weather, they can be grown as summer bulbs in more temperate climates, or even as houseplants given the right conditions. With a little pampering, these exotic shade dwellers create a glorious display rivaling that of any flowering plant
BASICS
Botanical name:
Caladium bicolor, syn. Caladium x hortulanum
Common names:
Caladium, angel wings, and elephant ears (a name shared by several different species of large-leaf tropical plants)
BASICSBotanical name:Caladium bicolor, syn. Caladium x hortulanumCommon names:Caladium, angel wings, and elephant ears (a name shared by several different species of large-leaf tropical plants)
Plant type:
Tuberous tropical perennial
Zones:
Perennial in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual or houseplant elsewhere.
Height:
18 to 24 inches; dwarf forms under 12" are also available.
Season of interest:
From June until frost.
Plant type:Tuberous tropical perennialZones:Perennial in zones 9-11; can be grown as an annual or houseplant elsewhere.Height:18 to 24 inches; dwarf forms under 12" are also available.Season of interest:From June until frost.
Leaf types:
Caladiums are divided into two main leaf types:
– Fancy-leaf caladiums generally have large heart-shaped leaves, sometimes growing to more than a foot long.
Leaf types:Caladiums are divided into two main leaf types:– Fancy-leaf caladiums generally have large heart-shaped leaves, sometimes growing to more than a foot long.
What to plant:
In late spring, you can buy potted caladiums at local nurseries or grow them yourself from tubers.
What to plant:In late spring, you can buy potted caladiums at local nurseries or grow them yourself from tubers.
Soil:
Plant in a moist, rich, well-drained soil amended by compost or other organic matter.
Soil:Plant in a moist, rich, well-drained soil amended by compost or other organic matter.