Growing Caladium

Botanical Name:

Caladium bicolor

Life Cycle:

perennial

Planting Time:

spring

Height:

2'

Exposure:

full to partial shade

Soil:

moist, average to rich soil with a neutral pH

Hardiness:

Bloom Time:

summer to fall

Flower:

inconspicuous, grown for foliage

Foliage:

angel wing-shaped leaves with green borders

Propagation:

bulbs

Suggested Use:

accents, beds, borders, and shade gardens

Growing Hints:

Plant bulbs outside as soon as soil is thoroughly warm. If starting bulbs indoors, they prefer to be heated from the bottom. Removing flowers will direct more energy into leaf growth. Common pests include slugs.

Interesting Facts:

Caladium plants are also good choices for containers. Today's hybrids are the result of widespread breeding between tropical species.