Caladium

* Common name: Caladium

Green and white caladiums in a pot.

* Botanical name: Caladium bicolor

* What it is: A tender tuber that’s grown for its large, heart-shaped, variegated leaves that come in showy mixes of green, silver, red, white, pink and rose. Usually grown and sold as an annual flower since it doesn’t tolerate frost. Sometimes called “angel wings” and occasionally “elephant ears.” Produces few, if any, flowers.

* Size: 12 to 30 inches tall, 12 to 18 inches wide.

* Where to use: Caladiums are usually grown in pots in shady areas, where their big, colorful leaves add a tropical feel. Avoid full sun, which browns the leaf edges or bleaches the entire plant. Will grow in the ground but must have shade and damp soil. Leaves are poisonous if eaten, so use with care if pets or young children are around.

* Care: Wait until after frost to plant outside. In a pot, water every day or two, and fertilize monthly with a liquid, balanced fertilizer. Can be grown indoors over winter as a houseplant. Or the tubers can be dug and stored dry and dormant inside in a cool room for re-use the following spring. A freeze will kill them.

* Great partner: Pair with white or pink impatiens or wax begonias. Dwarf browallia (purple) looks good with white or pink caladiums.