Annuals – Caladium

Botanical name: caladium bicolor

Beginner friendly?: yes

Average size at maturity: 6 to 24 inches in height and a 1 – 2 ft spread

Bloom time: spring

Hardy zone: zones 9 and 10

Flower color: does not flower

Foliage color: green, white, red, yellow, gold, variegated

Growth rate: reaches full maturity in 6 – 8 weeks

Pruning instructions: deadhead as needed

Propagation methods: cut a stem just below a node and place in water until roots start to emerge

Landscape use: brings bright color to a shade garden

Light needs: 2 – 3 hours of sun a day

Special features: high medical and soothing effects

Watering instructions: use 5-10-10 every other month during the growing season

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow release granular fertilizer in the early spring

Best time to plant: spring

Best type of soil: loam, sand

Companion plants: coral bells, begonias, coleus

Toxicity level: mildly toxic if ingested

Invasive species: no