The Caladiums

Two contrasting Caladiums: ‘Strapleaf Miss Muffet’ and ‘Strapleaf Red Ruffles’

We grow Caladiums for two major reasons. First is their ability to brighten up dark corners with flashes of red, white, or green and interesting patterns of red, white, and/or pink. Every property seems to have at least one of these dark spots, and the unexpected color catches your eye as you come across it. This example is Caladium’s most famous trait.

Our second reason for growing Caladium is its tropical look, like a small forest of elephant ears when we plant several in a stand. In a way, this is performance art in the garden because the plants tremble and shimmy with the smallest breeze. Actually, the look is more versatile than it appears because in the Midwest Caladiums can move into partial and light shade, and some cultivars can handle a lot of sun.

Curly bracts and wavy foliage give ‘Harlequin Red’ a rose-like appearance

One of the curliest Poinsettias we’ve trialed lately is ‘Harlequin Red’ from the Dutch firm Beekenkamp. While some breeders encourage a more ruffled look to the bracts, Beekenkamp goes all-out by allowing the deep red bracts to fold backwards, creating a rounded, rose-like display. ‘Harlequin’s’ dark foliage is distinctively wavy as well. It’s an update of the classic Winter Rose style of Poinsettia, for those who remember.

A top-down view of the rose-like arrangement of the bracts

‘Harlequin’ is part of this year’s R&D work, so it is not listed in the Holiday Idea Book or current price list. However, our test crop worked out well so we are offering a limited number to our readers to see what you think. No modern Poinsettia looks quite like it. You can order ‘Harlequin Red’ through our shopping cart or by calling the office and asking for it.

 
Dusty Miller ‘Silverdust’ and Coleus ‘FlameThrower Salsa Roja’

A quick and reliable garden companion to most deep foliage color is Dusty Miller. The silvery velvet-covered plant makes this Coleus ‘FlameThrower Salsa Roja’ feel richer and more luxurious by contrast. Dusty Miller is also versatile—it isn’t fussy about soil and grows in both open sun and partial shade. Please note that we sell two versions: Narrow leaf ‘Silverdust’ has deeply cut serrations and grows about shin high, while wide leaf ‘Cirrus’ has broad flat leaves and grows a little taller.