My Woodsy Garden

I’m still here y’all! My new-to-me garden is almost 5 years old. Just popping in here with a quick video to give you a glimpse of how it’s grown. The view in the film gives you a good idea of how this garden divides from shady to sunny. Update: the video did not upload. I apologize.  Clearly I am having extreme technical difficulties.

I added a few recent photos as a consolation. 😉 I hope all my Florida friends are enjoying this amazing April weather we are having in Central Florida. Happy gardening!

Unfurling Caladium leaves - it’s that time of year.

When the trumpets and the begonias bloom together.

Woodsy pathway that leads to the fire pit and the Woodland Garden.

Spiderwort randomly pops up. They aren't a problem here though because probably not enough sun.

***** I post to my Facebook gardening page almost daily. If you'd like to join us there to keep up with Hoe and Shovel Gardening here's the link: Hoe and Shovel on Facebook or https://www.facebook.com/HoeAndShovelGarden/ if you need to copy and paste. ~~ If you've just arrived to this page as a new gardening friend or perhaps missed the back story about how we moved from our home and garden of 30 years to the house next door you can catch up here. All material (text and photos) © 2007-2017 is authored by Meems for Hoe and Shovel Gardening Blog. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Why I Wait to Plant Caladium Bulbs

'Puppy Love'

It is so very tempting to jump the gun and plant Caladium bulbs in springtime when the soil and air first begin to warm. New shoots of Caladiums from the year(s) before respond to the seasonal transition and lingering sunshine. Out they come, slowly unfurling into glorious shocks of brilliant color. Fingers itch to put more of them in the ground right away.

'Burning Heart' is the larger, background Caladium with 'Tiki Torch' bordering.

It's perfectly acceptable to plant Caladium bulbs anytime after your last frost date and when the temperatures warm to above 65F (or so) consistently. But, I like to wait. Caladiums respond best to warm, moist soil, and humid air. These are the conditions that make them best suited for summer foliage plants. As my Florida gardening friends are well aware, our spring season is typically very dry.

'Classic Pink' in the front garden.

I don't know about you, but I tire of dragging hoses around to my newly installed plants in the spring. Caladiums do not tolerate drought conditions for any enduring length of time. As a matter of course, they prefer our summer rainy season. Happy they are to receive a good daily downpour as long as the soil they're planted in drains well. You don't want to put them where water collects.

'Puppy Love' in the front garden.

As difficult as it may be to wait past spring to plant, I do. My bulbs are ordered early from Classic Caladiums for the best selection. I don't actually have them delivered to my doorstep until June and often don't get the last of them planted until July (or later). At that point the soil is warm (day and night) and our summer rainy season has kicked in full force. New sprouts from bulbs rocket out of the ground in a matter of days and colorful foliage unfolds in what seems like time-lapsed speed.

'Celebration' under the blue bottle tree and 'Radiance' on the right in the back garden.

Happy heart-shaped faces of reds, greens, pinks, white, and even salmon colors shine for the entirety of summer, and often into fall, when planted later. The general life-span of Caladium plants each year when they sprout or re-sprout is about 150 days.

'Tiki Torch' mixed with 'Desert Sunset' in pots.

I prefer my annually planted bulbs, with their dazzling foliage show, to peak mid-August into September when many of the spring blooming flowers have faded.

'Lemon Blush' and 'Desert Sunset'

Summer is Caladium season. They thrive with very little attention once the rainy season begins and provides them with plenty of nutritious water from heaven.

'Classic Pink' to the left and 'Lemon Blush' to the right.

My garden is chocked full of Florida-Friendly and Florida native plants, but Caladiums are the stars of my summer garden. Waiting to plant them until after the spring dry season is well worth the patience required.  Especially when August rolls around and there is still ample color gleaming in my garden from their easy-care foliage.

*** All Caladiums shown are varieties from and sold by Classic Caladiums.

*** Other articles I've written on Caladiums.

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If you've just arrived to this page as a new gardening friend or perhaps missed the back story about how we moved from our home and garden of 30 years to the house next door you can catch up here.



All material © 2007-2015 by Meems for Hoe and Shovel Gardening Blog. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Modern Art and Cheerful Container Caladiums

If you've spent any time with me here or in my garden you already know that I'm a mega-fan of Caladiums. I plant them in the landscape as edging, borders, clumps, and sweeps. Almost every one of my containers has a few of them peeking out between the flowers and plants.

A row of container pots with various Caladiums, begonias, Coleus and ferns along the walkway in my back garden. 

I prefer planting Caladium bulbs over purchasing the potted plants in garden centers. You get more *life* out of your Caladium varieties if you start with bulbs. Plus you get to pick from a vast array of sizes, colors and patterns rather than the few options available in the stores.

A wider view of the walkway and containers pictured above. Photo taken: July 18, 2014

There's nothing wrong with buying Caladium plants for sale in nurseries. But here's something to consider. The beautiful foliage that Caladiums sprout has an annual life span of about 150 days on average, then they return to their dormant state until the following spring. Some quick math will prove the bulbs that were forced in pots and for sale at stores will have less number of days (by a little) to be dancing in your garden. No biggie though. Whether you plant Caladium bulbs or purchase potted plants the important thing to remember is you don't want to be without their glorious cheery faces dancing in your summer garden.

Brand new sprout from Caladium bulbs planted July 12, 2014.
They come up out of the ground very quickly this time of year with summer rain and humidity.

When you plant bulbs versus buying plants, you get the thrill of watching that first sprout rocket out of the ground.

Brand new leaves from bulbs planted July 12, 2014. A package of mixed whites... each leaf a surprise.

Then you look the next day and wonder of wonders... there are more leaves. It's like fireworks. If you blink you might miss the entire explosion.

Red variety in front is 'Bombshell' and to the left is 'Candyland'. Behind 'Candyland' is 'Red Ruffles'.

Each spring/summer I plant a few bulbs into my existing perennial and evergreen pots. Caladiums elevate any plant combination to gorgeous and the additional summer color and texture is a no-brainer. This year I decided to be more deliberate. I planted more Caladium bulbs in containers specifically designed to highlight the splendor of Caladium foliage. Classic Caladiums sent me a number of new and new-er varieties to trial this summer. They produce high quality bulbs at their farm in Avon Park, Florida.

Spray paint your own pots to save some dollars!

For starters I spray painted some plain clay pots with 'Brilliant Blue' to mimic the more expensive blue-glazed pots I already have throughout my garden. I placed them on the open deck at our new home.

Containers were planted 4.15.14 and this photo was taken 5.17.14. Only two Caladiums leaves have started to unfurl.

Silver lace, maidenhair and bird's nest ferns along with various begonias are included in the mixture. The spilling vine is Hemigraphis 'Red Ivy' (amazing part-shade plant) and the sweet green and yellow foliage in left pot is Asystasia. Blue spray-painted Crepe Myrtle branches were *planted* in the center pot.

June 2, 2014 a few more leaves keep me encouraged as we wait.

Then I remembered (for a change) to take photos of the development as the Caladiums evolved into their best cheerful faces.

Just a few days later June 8, 2014 even more progress.

'Modern Art' is the stunning variety I used in this combination. I de-eyed them a few days before planting them. You can read more about the procedure of de-eyeing and see comparison photos of Caladiums de-eyed vs. not de-eyed here.

Also June 8, 2014

Caladiums that are de-eyed take a little bit longer to press out of the soil. But the form and habit of the plant is usually worth the wait!

June 30, 2014 time to trim the Red Ivy and where did the begonias ad ferns go?

'Modern Art' starts out with smaller lace shaped leaves and then push out some nicely large shaped ones to top off the bouquet.

June 30, 2014

The corner spot where these three pots reside is mostly shady with a spot of direct sun for about an hour midday as it shifts through the tree limbs above.

July 11, 2014 Almost 3 months since the bulbs were originally planted.

You gotta love foliage plants with a variety of color, shape and texture. These containers only need water once a week. If it rains I don't give them any extra irrigation.

Stunning close up! July 11, 2014

In each pot I popped in about 3 or 4 #1 size bulbs. I've been using Fafard Professional Formula 4P mix with superb results for my edibles and all my container plants this year. It is light and airy and yet retains moisture better than any other potting soil I've ever used.

July 22, 2014

And there you have it. The full progression through today.  Purposeful pots in the no-flower zone and who can deny the cheerful color they supply all summer long! I'm sold on 'Modern Art'. Cheers!

Have you planted your Caladium bulbs this year? If the answer is no, it's not too late. 

Happy gardening,
Meems

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All material © 2007-2014 by Meems for Hoe and Shovel Gardening Blog. Unauthorized reproduction prohibited.

Are You Ready For Fall?

I know I am eager for that first true Florida cold front.  It's been a long, endless summer this season. I'm ready for less humidity and cooler temperatures. I can hardly remember what it feels like to garden without pouring sweat. 

'Postman Joyner' caladium, 'Siam Ruby' ornamental bananas, variegated shell ginger (Alpinia), and Cordyline in back garden.

The change of seasons doesn't necessarily mean a change in fall foliage in this part of West Central Florida. These are the colors my fall garden is displaying this year. I know, it's kind of like cheating since these are the original colors of these foliage plants. We just have to make due sometimes and this is how I do it for fall and now that I think about it for spring and summer also. What are some of your favorite fall foliage plants?

More on Autumn here:
Delicious Autumn 
To Capture the Sunlight
Peaceful Passage
Autumn's Calming Scenery
Morning's Hopeful Glow

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The Stars of Summer

Clumps of 'Miss Muffet', 'Iceberg' and 'Red Flash' fill this border. 'Freida Hemple' in the shade background.

The dog days of summer hammer down on us in Florida like a warm, wet blanket of sweltering humidity that can't be escaped. August is the most difficult month to plow through, thankfully it has come to a close. Summer is when every drop of shade is a gift. Summer is when caladium foliage is the salvation of my garden.

'White Wonder' Caladium foliage surrounds my Florida-Friendly certification I proudly display in the garden.

Although considered to be an annual, Caladium plants return from tubers (or bulbs) left in the ground, year after year. It is warm enough in Central Florida not to bother with digging them out of the ground when winter approaches. The risk taken is the possibility of root rot. I'm sure I lose a few bulbs each year to root rot, but it's worth not having to dig up bulbs as they go dormant. 

'Candyland' Caladium is a full sun variety

'Postman Joyner' Caladium is a glorious bright red with deep green edges

Without question, the bright and colorful leaves of Caladium foliage are the stars of my summer garden. They add remarkable texture, brightness, variety and just plain goodness for an extended period when so many flowers just don't tolerate the weather conditions.

'Red Flash' is one of the largest leaves and tallest varieties of caladium. In the side garden, it blends well with 'Miss Muffet' and her chartreuse background and magenta flecks.

Reds, greens, chartreuse, magenta and shades of pink blend in perfectly with my informal landscape. 

'Red Flash' and 'Miss Muffet' in back garden border

I can't think of another foliage available (maybe coleus?~ but coleus are so much more finicky~ imo) that offers so much form and texture. Caladiums' heart-shaped leaves are vivid in any setting. The veins are often prominent and provide contrasting color, the margins are yet another source for contrast in many varieties and within the leaf there are flecks, spots, bumps and puckers depending on the cultivar. Even the stems can add drama with exceptional distinction color-wise.

Side garden ~ late August

Caladium plants combine with existing shrubs and perennials to add a punch of pizzazz for the entire summer.

'White Queen' in background and 'Postman Joyner' in foreground with filtered light streaming through oak trees.

'White Queen'
 

Plant the bulbs behind a border to hide the stems on taller varieties.

'White Wonder'

And in case you haven't heard the news, caladiums aren't just for shade anymore. Read more about sun tolerant varieties and where to find them here.

'Roseglow' tolerates many hours of sun.

 Mix caladiums together by clumping bulbs that blend or contrast or use one variety planted in large numbers for dramatic impact.

'Postman Joyner'

 The possibilities for creativity are endless given the countless choice of colors and distinction of caladium varieties available.

'Raspberry Moon' to left of pathway; 'White Wonder' to right

 Florida gardeners have the advantage. Our summer climate is exactly what these tropical and exotic-style plants desire.

Along the street-side 'White Wonder' sparks interest among the evergreens.

 The more rain the better, as long as the soil drains well. They don't like standing water.

Street-side at the corner of the driveway in my lawn-less front garden

Heat, humidity, moisture and plenty of warm sunshine is the environment caladiums prefer. However, if you live in northern climates, caladium plants will offer the same characteristics they do here. Put them in containers or plant them in the ground. You may have to water them more often than us and also be sure to plant them after your last frost, and dig up the bulbs before your first frost. There's no reason why any garden, in any zone can't add some caladiums to your garden design for loads of foliage texture.

 

If you liked this post, you might also enjoy:

Caladiums on My Mind

Christmas Caladiums

Delicious Autumn

Caladiums Are Not All Created Equal

To De-eye or Not to De-eye

 

 

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Caladiums On My Mind

A new hyrid at Classic Caladiums (not available yet for purchase) Isn't it beautiful!!!

The springtime alarm clock is on the verge of awakening sleepy-headed Caladium bulbs lying under the surface of dirt and mulch. When the soil warms from Florida's abundant sunshine and lengthier daylight hours, Caladiums will begin to push out new sprouts for another season of delightful textural foliage.  In Central Florida our winter is warm enough to leave our Caladium bulbs in the ground during their dormant season.

Classic Caladium 'Blushing Bride'

Wouldn't you love to plant a lush display of 'Blushing Bride' Caladiums like this? I'm guessing you'll need about 25-30 #1 or Jumbo bulbs to recreate this look.

'Blushing Bride' is only a segment of this pinwheel. 'Rosemary', 'Candyland', 'Highlighter',
and 'White Delight' make the full circle.

Do you like to plant caladium bulbs (tubers)or do you wait for caladium plants to show up in your local nursery? The advantage, if there is one, to buying plants of caladiums is seeing the foliage colors and habit of the plant when purchasing. It's the same as picking out any other plant at the garden center. 

You can create your own kaleidoscope of Caladium beauty with varying colors of leaf foliage.

For my garden, I prefer to purchase bulbs directly from the grower. I order mine from Classic Caladiums on the Internet. If you want to know why I choose their bulbs over others in the industry you can find out here.

Caladium 'Red Ruffles' makes a stunning border ~ it is a strap variety that grows about 12-18" tall. 

The ROI (Return On Investment) when purchasing bulbs is exponentially greater than purchasing plants. Here are a few of my reasons off the top of my brain...
1) Each bulb sprouts a plant with 4-5 leaflets. How many qualities plants can you buy for less than $2?
2) The life of the plant doesn't begin until it is planted into warm soil. Caladium leaves/plants generally have a lifespan of about 150 days from sprout to dormancy. I want to enjoy every one of those 150 days in my garden.
3) Better control. I plant bulbs closely (about 8-10" apart) for the impact and result I desire.
4) Easier to plant. I can pop bulbs into the ground around roots and between plants easier than making room for an entire plant.
5) More options. Garden centers only carry a few varieties. I can order color, size, and amount whenever I want (from January until about August) and specify a delivery date. More options. Did I say that already?

Caladium 'White Dynasty' is part of Classic Caladiums Sun Series. They grow in full sun.

It's time to re-think Caladiums. They make more sense than spending dollars on annuals that fade within a few weeks. Caladiums love Florida's humidity and warmer-than-warm summers. Caladiums perform beautifully with outstanding endurance, color, texture and variety without the need of endless maintenance.

Classic Caladium 'Mount Everest'  is part of Classic Caladiums Sun Series. These are growing in full sun at a Classic Caladium warehouse display.

When contemplating the just-right variety for your garden, don't forget that Caladiums aren't just for the shade anymore. I've had great success with Classic Caladiums' Sun Series varieties growing in 5-6 hours of Florida's summer sun. There are some remarkably durable new hybrids that have recently been introduced to the marketplace. You can read more about them here.

'Peppermint' turned out to be one of my new favorite varieties. It has just the right amount of deep red, white and green to mix with just about any perennial!

I've placed my first order of the season with Classic Caladiums already. I made a notation to my online order to please ship in late May. Be sure to check the regional map for the best planting time for your area.

For Central Florida it is recommended to wait to plant bulbs until March. I choose to wait even longer. I wait until the dormant bulbs (already in the ground) have sprouted fully before I plant new ones.

By waiting a couple of months, it gives me a chance to see any holes/spaces that need to be filled in around the newly revived plants. It also extends my crop time by planting later. I first get the spring crop that peeps out of the ground around late March. I plant in May and again in June and more in July. The result of succession planting is extended foliage-life in my summer/fall garden. Last year I planted every month until November (a trial experiment). Today, there remains a few Postman Joyner,brilliant red leaves, that stood up through our entire winter. That's pretty remarkable.

A new hyrid at Classic Caladiums (not available yet for purchase) Sheer artistry!

Do you have Caladiums on your mind? It's time to place your order if you haven't already. Classic Caladiums is offering a discount of 10% off any $25 or more order to Hoe and Shovel readers. Just type in the code ROSEGLOW to get your discount.

Edit update: My apologies I originally put the wrong discount code in this post. ROSEGLOW is correct. Thank you to Amber for the alert.

Happy planting! Meems

*** All photos in this post taken at Classic Caladiums' warehouse display September 2012.

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