Modern Art and Cheerful Container Caladiums

If you've spent any time with me here or in my garden you already know that I'm a mega-fan of Caladiums. I plant them in the landscape as edging, borders, clumps, and sweeps. Almost every one of my containers has a few of them peeking out between the flowers and plants.

A row of container pots with various Caladiums, begonias, Coleus and ferns along the walkway in my back garden. 

I prefer planting Caladium bulbs over purchasing the potted plants in garden centers. You get more *life* out of your Caladium varieties if you start with bulbs. Plus you get to pick from a vast array of sizes, colors and patterns rather than the few options available in the stores.

A wider view of the walkway and containers pictured above. Photo taken: July 18, 2014

There's nothing wrong with buying Caladium plants for sale in nurseries. But here's something to consider. The beautiful foliage that Caladiums sprout has an annual life span of about 150 days on average, then they return to their dormant state until the following spring. Some quick math will prove the bulbs that were forced in pots and for sale at stores will have less number of days (by a little) to be dancing in your garden. No biggie though. Whether you plant Caladium bulbs or purchase potted plants the important thing to remember is you don't want to be without their glorious cheery faces dancing in your summer garden.

Brand new sprout from Caladium bulbs planted July 12, 2014.
They come up out of the ground very quickly this time of year with summer rain and humidity.

When you plant bulbs versus buying plants, you get the thrill of watching that first sprout rocket out of the ground.

Brand new leaves from bulbs planted July 12, 2014. A package of mixed whites... each leaf a surprise.

Then you look the next day and wonder of wonders... there are more leaves. It's like fireworks. If you blink you might miss the entire explosion.

Red variety in front is 'Bombshell' and to the left is 'Candyland'. Behind 'Candyland' is 'Red Ruffles'.

Each spring/summer I plant a few bulbs into my existing perennial and evergreen pots. Caladiums elevate any plant combination to gorgeous and the additional summer color and texture is a no-brainer. This year I decided to be more deliberate. I planted more Caladium bulbs in containers specifically designed to highlight the splendor of Caladium foliage. Classic Caladiums sent me a number of new and new-er varieties to trial this summer. They produce high quality bulbs at their farm in Avon Park, Florida.

Spray paint your own pots to save some dollars!

For starters I spray painted some plain clay pots with 'Brilliant Blue' to mimic the more expensive blue-glazed pots I already have throughout my garden. I placed them on the open deck at our new home.

Containers were planted 4.15.14 and this photo was taken 5.17.14. Only two Caladiums leaves have started to unfurl.

Silver lace, maidenhair and bird's nest ferns along with various begonias are included in the mixture. The spilling vine is Hemigraphis 'Red Ivy' (amazing part-shade plant) and the sweet green and yellow foliage in left pot is Asystasia. Blue spray-painted Crepe Myrtle branches were *planted* in the center pot.

June 2, 2014 a few more leaves keep me encouraged as we wait.

Then I remembered (for a change) to take photos of the development as the Caladiums evolved into their best cheerful faces.

Just a few days later June 8, 2014 even more progress.

'Modern Art' is the stunning variety I used in this combination. I de-eyed them a few days before planting them. You can read more about the procedure of de-eyeing and see comparison photos of Caladiums de-eyed vs. not de-eyed here.

Also June 8, 2014

Caladiums that are de-eyed take a little bit longer to press out of the soil. But the form and habit of the plant is usually worth the wait!

June 30, 2014 time to trim the Red Ivy and where did the begonias ad ferns go?

'Modern Art' starts out with smaller lace shaped leaves and then push out some nicely large shaped ones to top off the bouquet.

June 30, 2014

The corner spot where these three pots reside is mostly shady with a spot of direct sun for about an hour midday as it shifts through the tree limbs above.

July 11, 2014 Almost 3 months since the bulbs were originally planted.

You gotta love foliage plants with a variety of color, shape and texture. These containers only need water once a week. If it rains I don't give them any extra irrigation.

Stunning close up! July 11, 2014

In each pot I popped in about 3 or 4 #1 size bulbs. I've been using Fafard Professional Formula 4P mix with superb results for my edibles and all my container plants this year. It is light and airy and yet retains moisture better than any other potting soil I've ever used.

July 22, 2014

And there you have it. The full progression through today.  Purposeful pots in the no-flower zone and who can deny the cheerful color they supply all summer long! I'm sold on 'Modern Art'. Cheers!

Have you planted your Caladium bulbs this year? If the answer is no, it's not too late. 

Happy gardening,
Meems

*******
Come hang out with me and other gardening friends for daily updates at Hoe and Shovel on Facebook... here's the link:
*** Hoe and Shovel on Facebook  **

All material © 2007-2014 by Meems for Hoe and Shovel Gardening Blog. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

The Stars of Summer

Clumps of 'Miss Muffet', 'Iceberg' and 'Red Flash' fill this border. 'Freida Hemple' in the shade background.

The dog days of summer hammer down on us in Florida like a warm, wet blanket of sweltering humidity that can't be escaped. August is the most difficult month to plow through, thankfully it has come to a close. Summer is when every drop of shade is a gift. Summer is when caladium foliage is the salvation of my garden.

'White Wonder' Caladium foliage surrounds my Florida-Friendly certification I proudly display in the garden.

Although considered to be an annual, Caladium plants return from tubers (or bulbs) left in the ground, year after year. It is warm enough in Central Florida not to bother with digging them out of the ground when winter approaches. The risk taken is the possibility of root rot. I'm sure I lose a few bulbs each year to root rot, but it's worth not having to dig up bulbs as they go dormant. 

'Candyland' Caladium is a full sun variety

'Postman Joyner' Caladium is a glorious bright red with deep green edges

Without question, the bright and colorful leaves of Caladium foliage are the stars of my summer garden. They add remarkable texture, brightness, variety and just plain goodness for an extended period when so many flowers just don't tolerate the weather conditions.

'Red Flash' is one of the largest leaves and tallest varieties of caladium. In the side garden, it blends well with 'Miss Muffet' and her chartreuse background and magenta flecks.

Reds, greens, chartreuse, magenta and shades of pink blend in perfectly with my informal landscape. 

'Red Flash' and 'Miss Muffet' in back garden border

I can't think of another foliage available (maybe coleus?~ but coleus are so much more finicky~ imo) that offers so much form and texture. Caladiums' heart-shaped leaves are vivid in any setting. The veins are often prominent and provide contrasting color, the margins are yet another source for contrast in many varieties and within the leaf there are flecks, spots, bumps and puckers depending on the cultivar. Even the stems can add drama with exceptional distinction color-wise.

Side garden ~ late August

Caladium plants combine with existing shrubs and perennials to add a punch of pizzazz for the entire summer.

'White Queen' in background and 'Postman Joyner' in foreground with filtered light streaming through oak trees.

'White Queen'
 

Plant the bulbs behind a border to hide the stems on taller varieties.

'White Wonder'

And in case you haven't heard the news, caladiums aren't just for shade anymore. Read more about sun tolerant varieties and where to find them here.

'Roseglow' tolerates many hours of sun.

 Mix caladiums together by clumping bulbs that blend or contrast or use one variety planted in large numbers for dramatic impact.

'Postman Joyner'

 The possibilities for creativity are endless given the countless choice of colors and distinction of caladium varieties available.

'Raspberry Moon' to left of pathway; 'White Wonder' to right

 Florida gardeners have the advantage. Our summer climate is exactly what these tropical and exotic-style plants desire.

Along the street-side 'White Wonder' sparks interest among the evergreens.

 The more rain the better, as long as the soil drains well. They don't like standing water.

Street-side at the corner of the driveway in my lawn-less front garden

Heat, humidity, moisture and plenty of warm sunshine is the environment caladiums prefer. However, if you live in northern climates, caladium plants will offer the same characteristics they do here. Put them in containers or plant them in the ground. You may have to water them more often than us and also be sure to plant them after your last frost, and dig up the bulbs before your first frost. There's no reason why any garden, in any zone can't add some caladiums to your garden design for loads of foliage texture.

 

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:

Caladiums on My Mind

Christmas Caladiums

Delicious Autumn

Caladiums Are Not All Created Equal

To De-eye or Not to De-eye

 

 

If you miss hearing from me here on a more frequent basis  ...
Come see me on Facebook... daily photos/discussions there...here's the link:
*** Hoe and Shovel on Facebook   **

 

Caladiums On My Mind

A new hyrid at Classic Caladiums (not available yet for purchase) Isn't it beautiful!!!

The springtime alarm clock is on the verge of awakening sleepy-headed Caladium bulbs lying under the surface of dirt and mulch. When the soil warms from Florida's abundant sunshine and lengthier daylight hours, Caladiums will begin to push out new sprouts for another season of delightful textural foliage.  In Central Florida our winter is warm enough to leave our Caladium bulbs in the ground during their dormant season.

Classic Caladium 'Blushing Bride'

Wouldn't you love to plant a lush display of 'Blushing Bride' Caladiums like this? I'm guessing you'll need about 25-30 #1 or Jumbo bulbs to recreate this look.

'Blushing Bride' is only a segment of this pinwheel. 'Rosemary', 'Candyland', 'Highlighter',
and 'White Delight' make the full circle.

Do you like to plant caladium bulbs (tubers)or do you wait for caladium plants to show up in your local nursery? The advantage, if there is one, to buying plants of caladiums is seeing the foliage colors and habit of the plant when purchasing. It's the same as picking out any other plant at the garden center. 

You can create your own kaleidoscope of Caladium beauty with varying colors of leaf foliage.

For my garden, I prefer to purchase bulbs directly from the grower. I order mine from Classic Caladiums on the Internet. If you want to know why I choose their bulbs over others in the industry you can find out here.

Caladium 'Red Ruffles' makes a stunning border ~ it is a strap variety that grows about 12-18" tall. 

The ROI (Return On Investment) when purchasing bulbs is exponentially greater than purchasing plants. Here are a few of my reasons off the top of my brain...
1) Each bulb sprouts a plant with 4-5 leaflets. How many qualities plants can you buy for less than $2?
2) The life of the plant doesn't begin until it is planted into warm soil. Caladium leaves/plants generally have a lifespan of about 150 days from sprout to dormancy. I want to enjoy every one of those 150 days in my garden.
3) Better control. I plant bulbs closely (about 8-10" apart) for the impact and result I desire.
4) Easier to plant. I can pop bulbs into the ground around roots and between plants easier than making room for an entire plant.
5) More options. Garden centers only carry a few varieties. I can order color, size, and amount whenever I want (from January until about August) and specify a delivery date. More options. Did I say that already?

Caladium 'White Dynasty' is part of Classic Caladiums Sun Series. They grow in full sun.

It's time to re-think Caladiums. They make more sense than spending dollars on annuals that fade within a few weeks. Caladiums love Florida's humidity and warmer-than-warm summers. Caladiums perform beautifully with outstanding endurance, color, texture and variety without the need of endless maintenance.

Classic Caladium 'Mount Everest'  is part of Classic Caladiums Sun Series. These are growing in full sun at a Classic Caladium warehouse display.

When contemplating the just-right variety for your garden, don't forget that Caladiums aren't just for the shade anymore. I've had great success with Classic Caladiums' Sun Series varieties growing in 5-6 hours of Florida's summer sun. There are some remarkably durable new hybrids that have recently been introduced to the marketplace. You can read more about them here.

'Peppermint' turned out to be one of my new favorite varieties. It has just the right amount of deep red, white and green to mix with just about any perennial!

I've placed my first order of the season with Classic Caladiums already. I made a notation to my online order to please ship in late May. Be sure to check the regional map for the best planting time for your area.

For Central Florida it is recommended to wait to plant bulbs until March. I choose to wait even longer. I wait until the dormant bulbs (already in the ground) have sprouted fully before I plant new ones.

By waiting a couple of months, it gives me a chance to see any holes/spaces that need to be filled in around the newly revived plants. It also extends my crop time by planting later. I first get the spring crop that peeps out of the ground around late March. I plant in May and again in June and more in July. The result of succession planting is extended foliage-life in my summer/fall garden. Last year I planted every month until November (a trial experiment). Today, there remains a few Postman Joyner,brilliant red leaves, that stood up through our entire winter. That's pretty remarkable.

A new hyrid at Classic Caladiums (not available yet for purchase) Sheer artistry!

Do you have Caladiums on your mind? It's time to place your order if you haven't already. Classic Caladiums is offering a discount of 10% off any $25 or more order to Hoe and Shovel readers. Just type in the code ROSEGLOW to get your discount.

Edit update: My apologies I originally put the wrong discount code in this post. ROSEGLOW is correct. Thank you to Amber for the alert.

Happy planting! Meems

*** All photos in this post taken at Classic Caladiums' warehouse display September 2012.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you are new here: Come join us on Facebook... more great photos/discussions there...here's the link:
*** Hoe and Shovel on Facebook   **

Caladiums :: Not Just for the Shade Anymore

'Raspberry Moon' from Classic Caladiums

Did you know there are many hybrids of caladiums that perform well in full sun? You read that correctly. It's true. There are many hybrids of caladiums that perform well in full sun. We've been taught for so long that caladiums are fabulous shade-loving plants only. While many types of caladiums do prefer more shade than sun, in recent years, caladium breeders have developed new cultivars that excel in sunny conditions.

'Raspberry Moon' from Classic Caladiums along front-garden pathway

Without all the facts about caladiums you could possibly be deterred from the pizzazz these heart-shaped foliage beauties add to every garden. You might be a gardener who has virtually ignored the variety and lasting character of one of the most versatile plants available for summer color. I know you don't want to miss out for another moment.

'Candyland' from Classic Caladiums

Last summer was my first experience with 'Candyland'. I planted 3-5 bulbs into several containers with other existing mixed plantings. They received 2-4 hours of full middle-of-the-day-sun. Florida's sunshine can be brutal in July and August. Plants in containers dry out faster than plants in the ground, generally. I monitored them while testing whether they performed well in these conditions.

Not only did they exceed my expectations in terms of their pretty factor, they outlasted many other varieties planted in less-harsh situations. Something that really surprised me is they required no more irrigation than their counterparts sharing the soil with them.

'Candyland' from Classic Caladiums

With these remarkably positive attributes, I decided to order more 'Candyland' bulbs this spring. I placed them in a more prominent position in the back garden. 'Candyland' provides an excellent soft, pink border in front of a mixed planting bed with blue daze, pentas, angelonia, bulbine, Wendy's wish and beach sunflower. 'Candyland' finishes off the curving edge along this pathway with a height reaching only 12" to 18".

'White Wonder' Caladiums from Classic Caladiums in foreground; 'Raspberry Moon' in background

I've exclaimed the praises and virtues of 'White Wonder' in past writings. They jazz up the front gardens, with exclamation points of white, rocketing out of the ground among evergreens. (Caladiums go dormant in winter and return when the soil warms in March/April.)

Street-side/curb-side view of front garden on the south side of driveway.

I plant 'White Wonder' in clutches along the span of the curbside. This edge next to the street is out from under the canopy of oak trees that partially shades most of the front garden. Afternoon sun spills across all these plants and the slightly sloping lot dries out quickly. None of these factors discourage 'White Wonder' from looking perky from May until late October and possibly November.

The other side of the driveway is another good place for 'White Wonder' with a few clumps of 'Red Flash' interspersed.

I have removed all the grass from my front garden.  Adaptable, sun-loving caladiums are one of the plants to include for great lawn alternatives.

'White Wonder' up close in the back garden

Last year 'White Wonder' made such a lasting impression in my front garden, I decided to make some space for it in the back garden this spring. I have limited areas with ample sunshine as so much of the back gardens are covered with shade.
Although 'White Wonder' does well in partial shade I prefer making the most of its ability to withstand sun. To plant more bulbs of 'White Wonder' in the sun, meant they'd have to go on top of large roots left from a tree we removed. I mounded up piles of fresh potting soil (about 10" high) mixed with mushroom compost. They are kind of like little hills on top of the large roots. Since caladium plants don't have a large or dense root system, it was the perfect answer to fit them into the sunny area.
It's not too late to plant caladium bulbs if you live in Florida! These bulbs are available at Classic Caladiums.

Happy gardening, Meems

***************************************
Please visit Hoe and Shovel on Facebook and LIKE us to join in the discussions. We post almost daily there and love to hear from you there!

Florida Fantasy

In my continuing aim to profile each variety of caladium growing in my garden it is probably necessary to distinguish two of the types that strongly resemble each other at first glance.

Recently the attributes of 'White Queen' were enthusiastically hailed as an all-time favorite for use in my garden. As of this moment that fact remains true. However, it is only fair to give equal claim to 'Florida Fantasy' ~~ the variety with an almost identical face; yet it maintains one distinct difference. At least in my altogether unscientific observances.

In the photo above you can see 'White Queen' in the back ground (top left corner of photo) and 'Florida Fantasy' in the foreground curving along the outer perimeter of the circle garden. You would probably agree they are very similar in appearance. [Clicking on this link might assist for a better look at 'White Queen'.]

The height and habit of each is relatively the same but one less noticeable difference is the background white on 'Florida Fantasy' is less creamy. Maybe a better way to say it is the 'Florida Fantasy' has a true white background separated by tiny green veins and bright green edging along all of its heart-shaped glory.
They both do well in partially sunny situations. Honestly, I've not tried 'Florida Fantasy' in a sunnier situation than the angle of brightly glowing late-afternoon sun in which it performs well. In my experience 'White Queen' holds up quite well in a brief amount (2-3 hours) of Florida's brutal mid-afternoon rays.
For many years now I've planted clumps and sweeps of 'Florida Fantasy' along the outskirts of the tropical pathway. I fully appreciate how their cheeriness stands out among the neighboring foliage lasting for the entire summer. They are tucked below the retaining wall among irises, flax lily edging, fading canna, a rambling sweet potato vine and at the feet of one of the giant 'Queen Emma' crinum lilies.

The most noticeable difference of 'Florida Fantasy' that distinguishes it from the similiar 'White Queen' variety is the deep magenta central vein never bleeds out into the white face. 'White Queen' can be affected by soil and bulb size and fertilizers in which the central vein bleeds out into the white changing the coloration resulting in an almost completely red or pink face as shown above.

'Florida Fantasy' is always true white! I prefer true white. This one quality makes her superior to 'White Queen' in my opinion. For some reason 'Florida Fantasy' is much harder to come by... which translated means it is not as hardy of a crop for the growers. Fortunately I found mine at Classic Caladiums this year.