Caladium Cherry Blossom

Caladium 'Cherry Blossom' is a variety with widely variegated foliage, as if panted in spots. The medium-sized leaves vary in composition, with dark green edges, a light green surface, and pink veins and surface in the centre. The Caladium, prized in the 19th century for its exotic appearance, is experiencing a new popularity thanks to its large, heart-shaped, colourful and eye-catching leaves that add a spectacular dimension to containers and seasonal flower beds. Native to tropical America, Caladiums prefer partially shaded environments and are usually grown as annual plants or like begonias, with their tubers kept dry and cool during the winter.

The Caladium genus belongs to the Araceae family and includes about 12 species native to Brazil and adjacent regions of Central and South America. In common language, they are called elephant ears, heart of Jesus, and angel wings because of the shape of their large leaves. In nature, these tuberous plants grow in clearings and on riverbanks. They are in vegetation during the rainy season but go dormant to escape the dry season. Note that all parts of the plant are toxic to humans.

The hybrid Caladium 'Cherry Blossom' forms a clump of leaves measuring about 60 cm in all directions from spring. The leaves, which are approximately 25 cm long and 12 cm wide, have a characteristic elongated and notched heart shape with a tapered tip. When it occurs, the flowering is quite insignificant. It takes the form of a yellowish spathe or cone surrounding a column called a spadix, characteristic of plants in the arum family. In early autumn, watering should be reduced. The foliage then dries up, a sign that the plant is going into dormancy. This is the time to dig up the tubers which can spend the winter in slightly moist peat substitute, in the shade, in a cool room, maintained at 16 or 18 °C.

Caladium 'Cherry Blossom' enhances the beauty of partially shaded flower beds throughout the summer season and adds an exotic touch to your garden. Its distinctive foliage enhances the beauty of neighbouring plants. It pairs perfectly with Japanese azaleas and dwarf rhododendrons at the base of hydrangeas. It also creates beautiful compositions with the foliage of hostas that thrive in woodland settings, punctuated by a few single Impatiens flowers. Additionally, Caladiums are ideal for creating stunning containers to adorn terraces and verandas, superbly combining with the foliage of Coleus.