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CALADIUMS
ADD ZEST TO SHADY GARDENS
AUBURN, July 21---Many
gardens have shady areas that need some zest during the summer
months. Caladiums are an excellent choice for these areas and come
in a variety of colors.
These foliage plants
come in two main types, narrowleaf caladiums and fancy-leaved
caladiums, says Dr. Dave Williams, Extension horticulturist with the
Alabama Cooperative Extension System. Both types prefer well-drained
soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
Plant caladiums where
they can receive morning sun and shade for the remainder of the day.
Caladiums also grow well in containers.
If you plant caladiums,
start with good quality tubers, says Williams. They can be purchased
either at local garden centers or through catalogs.
When planting, it can be
difficult to decide what's the top of the tuber. Look for a small
puckered area in the center. The plant sprouts from this area, so it
should be planted facing up. Plant the tuber so that there are about
2 inches of soil above the top of the tuber.
Don't mulch heavily
until leaves emerge; then mulch around the plant to retain soil
moisture.
Caladiums need to be
kept watered. They can lose a great deal of moisture through their
broad leaves on hot summer days.
Caladiums are grown for
their foliage, so cut off the flower stalk when it emerges. This
will prevent the plant from wasting energy in flowering.
Lift caladiums from the
ground in the fall, Williams adds. Dry and store them in sawdust or
perlite. You can replant the tubers in the spring when soil
temperatures rise. Older tubers will not produce vigorous plants.
For the best-looking caladium displays, plant new tubers every year
or every other year.
SOURCE: Dr.
Dave Williams, Extension horticulturist, Alabama Cooperative
Extension System (334) 844-3032
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