Caladium ‘Carolyn Wharton’ Pink Fancy Leaf

Caladium hortulanem

Characteristics

Culture

Caladium ‘Carolyn Wharton’ Pink Fancy Leaf is grown for its large, showy, variegated, colorful leaves that have dark green edges, mottled pink spots in the center and obvious red midribs. This caladium is a tender tropical perennial plant in Zones 9-15. It is considered a “fancy leaf” type with its more delicate heart-shaped leaf. Leaves have a matte sheen.  Grow ‘Carolyn Wharton’ in part sun to part shade in fertile, moist, well-drained soil. The more sun this cultivar receives, the more moisture that should be provided to the roots. It is grown from tubers. It can be grown in nearly full sun if the tubers are growing in constantly wetted soils (but not submerged). All caladiums resent cool soils.

Noteworthy Characteristics

As the name would suggest, ‘Carolyn Wharton’ Pink Fancy Leaf is one of the showiest and most eye-catching Caladium varieties. Caladium can be grown in any region as an indoor plant, but take care to only start outdoors once nighttime temperatures are high 60’s and above. Use as a bedding plant, grown in containers or used as a filler in mixed plantings. May be grown in the ground all year in tropical climates. Elsewhere dig tubers when leaves dieback in the fall and store or pot up and bring indoors to grow during winter. Quite tolerant of the dry air and cooler temperatures common in homes, ‘Carolyn Wharton’ is exceptionally suited for year-round houseplant use.

Problems

No serious insect or disease problems. Leaves are rather fragile and may easily be damaged by wind or hail.

Garden Uses

Bedding plant, container, house plant, tropical plants.