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Spectacular, colorful South American
native, suitable for full shade, but also performs
very satisfactorily with a constant, TINY bit
of drip irrigation in our full-sun garden (zone 7,
Tidewater Virginia). New hybrids (Florida Series)
are being bred with more substance and thicker
leaves to help withstand the hot summer sun so
they can ultimately be planted anywhere! We've
also found that the leaves work remarkably well
as filler material in flower arrangements and make
a right proper 'cut and come again' plant. The only
finicky thing about them is that they HATE being
planted in cool soil, but should be planted right
away when you receive them. So you need to start
them inside in 2"-3" pots, giving them bottom heat.
(see pg. 61 to check out our favorite heat mat!)
Once the ground warms up to ~65-70°F, depth
of ~6", it's a good time to plant them outside.
Gives lasting color ALL summer everywhere and
is less expensive than many annuals! All caladiums
make excellent container plants by themselves or
in combination with annuals, perennials or other
bulbs. These tubers are from tissue culture stock
so they should be more vigorous and give superior
performance; Top sized #1 tubers are about 1 .5"-
2 .5" in diameter; plant 1 per sq. ft.; overwinters in
zones 10-11; super summertime performer in any
area that has summer heat. |
