Caladium Tapestry

Caladium 'Tapestry' has large elongated heart-shaped leaves that are highly contrasting. They are adorned with wide veins in bright pink to magenta red on a very light, almost white surface, with a dark green margin and spots on the outside. It is an early variety with rapid growth, fairly tolerant to the sun. Caladiums are native to tropical America, prefer semi-shaded environments and are usually grown as annual plants or like begonias, with their tubers kept dry and cool during 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. Their common names are elephant ears, heart of Jesus, and angel wings because of the shape of their large leaves. In the wild, 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 'Tapestry' forms a cluster of leaves measuring about 60 cm in all directions from spring. The leaves, which measure approximately 25 cm long and 12 cm wide, have a characteristic elongated heart shape with a notched, tapered tip. The flowering, when it occurs, 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 then the foliage dries up, indicating that the plant is going into dormancy. This is the time to dig up the tubers which will spend the winter in slightly moist peat substitute, in the shade, in a cool room, maintained at 16 or 18 °C.

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 seasonal flower pots and beds. Caladium 'Tapestry' enhances the elegance of semi-shaded beds throughout the summer season and brings a touch of exoticism 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 scenes with the foliage of hostas thriving in woodland settings, punctuated by some single Impatiens flowers. Furthermore, Caladiums are ideal for creating beautiful potted plants to enhance terraces and verandas, superbly combining with the foliage of Coleus.