Caladium White Christmas - Angel Wings

Caladium 'White Christmas' is a variety that displays large white leaves with numerous dark green veins. The very thin lamina allows light to pass through beautifully. This tuberous plant was highly appreciated in the 19th century for bringing an exotic touch to elegant interiors. It is now making a comeback in pots, as well as in ephemeral flower beds where its large heart-shaped leaves always make a big impact. Native to tropical America, caladiums are tender shade-loving plants that are grown as annuals in the garden, or like begonias, with their tubers stored dry and cool during winter.

The Caladium genus belongs to the Araceae family and includes approximately 12 species native to Brazil and adjacent regions of Central and South America. In common language, they are called elephant ears and angels' wings because of the shape of their large leaves. In nature, these tuberous plants grow in clearings and along riverbanks. They are in vegetation during the rainy season but go dormant to escape the dry season. It is worth noting that all parts of the plant are poisonous to humans.

From spring onwards, Caladium 'White Christmas' forms a clump of leaves measuring approximately 50 to 60cm (20 to 24in) in all directions. The leaves, which are approximately 35cm (14in) long and 20cm (8in) wide, have a characteristic elongated and lobed heart shape with a pointed tip. 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. However, flowering does not always occur. Watering should be reduced in early autumn. The foliage dries, indicating that the plant is entering dormancy. This is the time to dig up the tubers, which will spend the winter in slightly moist turf, in the shade, in a cool room maintained at around 16 or 18°C (60.8 or 64.4°F).

Caladium 'White Christmas' will bring an elegant and exotic touch to partially shaded flower beds throughout the growing season, and its foliage will enhance all neighbouring plants. Place it, for example, at the base of hydrangeas, Japanese azaleas, or dwarf rhododendrons, or create a beautiful scene with impatiens, hostas, and lobelias that appreciate the same woodland settings. You can also use them to create stunning potted displays for patios. They go wonderfully well with coleus and begonias.