Caladium Red Flash - Angel Wings

Caladium 'Red Flash' is a remarkably colourful variety that tolerates the sun better than light-coloured foliage varieties. Its large green leaves speckled with pink have a wide central red macule that extends into each of the main veins. A highly valued 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 short-lived flower beds where its large, remarkably colourful heart-shaped leaves always make a big impression. Native to tropical America, Caladiums are tender shade plants that are grown as annuals in the garden or like begonias, with their tubers stored in a dry and cool place during winter.

The genus Caladium belongs to the Araceae family and includes around 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 due to the shape of their large leaves. In nature, these tuberous plants grow in clearings and on the banks of rivers. They are in vegetation during the rainy season but become dormant to escape the dry season. Note that all parts of the plant are toxic to humans.

The Caladium hybrid 'Red Flash' forms a cluster of leaves measuring approximately 50-60cm (20-24in) in all directions from spring onwards. The leaves, which are approximately 35cm (14in) long and 20cm (8in) wide, have a characteristic elongated and notched heart shape with a tapered 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 peat, in the shade, in a cool room maintained at a temperature between 16 and 18 °C.

Caladium 'Red Flash' will bring an elegant and exotic touch to semi-shaded flower beds throughout the summer, and its particularly colourful 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 thrive in the same woodland environments. Also, create stunning flower pots for the terrace or veranda with Caladiums. They go wonderfully well with Colocasia, begonias, and Impatiens.