6 Carolyn Whorton Caladium Bulbs – Vibrant Pink & Green Tropical Foliage

Carolyn Whorton Caladium is a classic variety beloved for its bold tropical foliage. Large, heart-shaped leaves streaked with vivid pink centers and green margins make this one of the most eye-catching caladiums you can grow. Perfect for garden beds, borders, containers, or shaded patios, it brings instant color and elegance to any landscape — with minimal effort.

We’ve grown Carolyn Whorton for years and found it to be one of the most reliable and versatile caladiums. It performs beautifully in partial shade and filtered sun, filling out with lush growth throughout the season. Its colorful leaves last well into late summer and fall, and with proper care, bulbs can be lifted and stored for replanting year after year.

Why You’ll Love Carolyn Whorton Caladium

• Bold, Heart-Shaped Leaves: Vivid pink centers with green margins create a dramatic tropical display.
• Reliable Classic Variety: Proven performer trusted by gardeners for decades.
• Shade to Partial Sun: Thrives where many flowering plants struggle — ideal for shaded beds and patios.
• Container-Friendly: Stunning in pots, planters, and patio arrangements.
• Long Season of Color: Lush foliage from late spring through fall.
• Reusable Bulbs: Dig, dry, and store at season’s end for replanting the following year.

Planting & Growing Guide

• Depth: Cover bulbs with 1.5 inches of soil, knobby side up.
• Spacing: 8–12 inches apart in garden beds; closer in pots for a fuller effect.
• Light: Shade to partial sun — filtered sunlight enhances color intensity.
• Soil: Moist, well-drained soil enriched with a balanced fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-8-8).
• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially after sprouting.
• Temperature: Plant only after frost danger has passed; bulbs need warm soil (70–80°F / 21–27°C).
• Winter Storage: After leaves die back, dig bulbs, dry thoroughly, and store at 70°F in mesh bags or peat moss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Carolyn Whorton shade or sun tolerant?
It performs best in shade to partial sun. Filtered sunlight helps enhance the vibrancy of the pink and green colors.

When should I plant the bulbs?
Wait until soil is consistently warm (70–80°F) and all frost danger has passed. Caladiums thrive in warm, tropical-like conditions.

Can Carolyn Whorton Caladiums grow in pots?
Yes — they’re excellent for containers and patio planters, creating vibrant tropical displays in smaller spaces.

How tall does this variety grow?
Plants typically reach 18–24 inches tall with large, colorful leaves that spread to fill the space beautifully.

Do caladium bulbs come back every year?
In warm zones (USDA 9–11), they may return outdoors. In cooler climates, dig bulbs after the first frost, dry, and store over winter for replanting in spring.

Pros and cons

• Fragrant
• Attracts pollinators
• Flowering