Caladium Rosebud - Angel Wings

Caladium 'Rosebud' is an original and brilliantly coloured variety that tolerates the sun better than light-colored foliage varieties. Its large leaves, a beautiful bright green, display a large central macule and veins of bright pink, with a white halo separating the two colours. A tuberous plant highly appreciated in the 19th century for bringing an exotic touch to elegant interiors, Caladium is making a comeback in pots, as well as in ephemeral flower beds where its large heart-shaped, harlequin-patterned leaves always make a big impression. Native to tropical America, Caladiums are tender shade plants that are grown as annuals in the garden, or in pots indoors, in a conservatory or greenhouse. The tubers should be stored dry and cool in winter.

The genus Caladium belongs to the Araceae family and includes about 12 species native to Brazil and adjacent regions of Central and South America. In common parlance, 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 the banks of watercourses. They are in vegetation during the rainy season but enter dormancy to escape the dry season. It should be noted that all parts of the plant are toxic to humans.

Caladium 'Rosebud' hybrid forms a clump of leaves measuring approximately 50-60cm (20-24in) in all directions from spring onwards. The leaves, which measure approximately 35cm (14in) in length and 20cm (8in) in width, have a characteristic elongated and notched heart shape with a pointed 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 dries up, indicating that the plant is entering a period of rest. This is the time to dig up the tubers, which will spend the winter in slightly damp turf, in the shade, in a cool room maintained at 16 or 18°C (60.8 or 64.4°F).

Caladium 'Rosebud' will bring a very exotic touch to partially shaded flower beds throughout the summer, and its particularly colourful foliage will enhance all neighbouring plants. Place it, for example, at the foot of hydrangeas, Japanese azaleas, or dwarf rhododendrons, or create a beautiful scene with Impatiens, hostas, and lobelias that appreciate the same woodland environments. Also, create gorgeous flowering pots for the terrace or conservatory with Caladiums. They go wonderfully well with Coleus, begonias, and Impatiens.