Marketta Tefteller

Caladiums are the plant of choice for shady spots in your garden.

These shade lovers produce exceptional foliage that can be tucked away in the shadier parts of your yard or garden. Though they are not known for tolerating direct sun, many newer varieties can take some exposure a few hours during the day.

Those varieties that have more green in the leaves seem to tolerate the sun better. Plants range in height and width from 12 to 24 inches and require bright filtered light. There are numerous varieties available in bulb form and in starter pots. These are found in the gardening sections of stores, nurseries and online. Common varieties such as White Christmas and Candidum are favorites.

Planting time is generally sometime after Mother’s Day when the weather is seasonably warm. Soil should be loose, rich soil with plenty of organic matter or good potting soil. Add a slow-release fertilizer to the soil before planting the bulb or plant. Bulbs should be covered with 1 1/2 to 2 inches of soil. Water well after planting. The bulbs usually need about two weeks for the tips to start breaking through the soil.

Planting several bulbs or plants in clumps in the desired flower beds creates a more desirable look. Many gardeners like to plant caladiums in pots. Large pots of caladiums can be placed in strategic places in the flower beds or on porches or patios.

As the summer progresses, the plants will grow vigorously and produce attractive clumps of leaf color all season. In late September and early October, the plants will become leggy and begin to fall over. They will not survive in the ground over the winter in this area.

If you want to save the bulbs until next year, dig them, shake off the soil, and lay them in a covered area to allow them to dry. In about three weeks, the leaves should be almost completely dry. At this time, you can clip off the foliage and wrap the bulbs in layers of newspaper. Store them in a dry area where they will not be exposed to freezing temperatures. About the middle of May, unwrap the bulbs. They are ready for planting for summer enjoyment. Leaf tips will be barely visible on each bulb. Be sure to plant the bulbs with the tip up.