Week 30, Year 3: Fun with Foliage - Caladium

 

While flowers often steal the show, foliage plays an important role in any garden – adding color, texture and contrast. I’ve decided to focus a few posts on some of the supporting players in this year’s garden, starting with Caladium.

Often called Elephant Ears, there are over 1,000 variations of this South American native. Although wild plants continue to grow mostly in Brazil, 98% of all caladium bulbs in the U.S. originate in Lake Placid, Florida – how’s that for some trivia? Known for their heart shaped leaves, varying in green, pink, white and red patterns, caladium can grow up to 24 inches.

 

In my garden, I have three caladium residents. Two are brightening up combo-pots and the other is on its own. I’ve learned they are not exactly the hardiest and tend to get overrun by other pot mates. They also are a rare breed that prefers shade to sun.

 

The first is a traditional caladium with white leaves and green veins with slight pink centers. This one resides with ornamental pepper, ornamental oregano and picasso petunias. The leaves are almost papery thin and are almost transparent like an onion skin. You really can see the “Elephant Ear” motif with these in the shape of the leaves.

 

The second plant has pink leaves with green blotches and look as if it has been graffiti-ed by a green slinging tag artist. This varietal makes it home with tuberous begonia, sedum, mimulus and nicotiana. The leaves are a bit sturdier than the white varietal and are supported by brown stems.

  

The last version has its own pot. This guy has chartreuse leaves with white veins. The leave lightens toward its center, giving it an antiqued look that marries with its romantic pot splendidly. This one seems to be the most fragile, though, and hasn’t had as good of a run as I would like. I’m not sure if its been the historic high temperatures or if it’s getting too much sun or if it’s just a bad plant. I’ll be keeping my eye on it in any case.