Caladium Carolyn Whorton - Angel Wings

Caladium 'Carolyn Whorton' is an extremely decorative variety of American elephant ear, better suited to the sun, with large pink and green variegated leaves enhanced by magenta veins. A highly appreciated tuberous plant in the 19th century for adding 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 and remarkably coloured leaves always make a big impact. Native to tropical America, Caladiums are tender plants that thrive in partial shade and are grown as annuals in the garden, or like begonias, with their tubers stored dry and cool in winter.

The genus Caladium belongs to the Araceae family and comprises 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 along riverbanks. They are active during the rainy season but go dormant to escape the dry season. It's worth noting that all parts of the plant are toxic to humans.

The Caladium hybrid 'Carolyn Whorton' forms a clump of leaves measuring about 50-60cm (20-24in) in all directions from spring onwards. The leaves, about 40cm (16in) long and 25cm (10in) wide, have a characteristic elongated and notched heart shape with a pointed tip. The main veins are a bright magenta pink, while the lamina is randomly maculate and speckled with light pink on a dark green background. When it does occur, 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, reduce watering. 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 barely moist turf, in the shade, in a cool room maintained at around 16 or 18 °C (60.8 or 64.4°F).

Caladium 'Carolyn Whorton' will add an elegant and exotic touch to partially shaded flower beds throughout the summer, and its particularly colourful foliage will enhance all neighbouring plants. For example, place it at the base of hydrangeas, Japanese azaleas, or dwarf rhododendrons, or create a lovely scene with Impatiens, hostas, and lobelias that thrive in similar woodland settings. You can also create stunning flower-filled pots with Caladiums for your terrace or veranda.