Caladiums
Are you looking for a splash of color in a shady or filtered light area of your garden? Caladiums are tropical plants derived from bulbs and quite easy to grow. They are native to the Amazon river area of Brazil so it's no surprise that these plants love a warm, shady, humid environment. The leaves come in a variety of combinations of green, with white, pink or red. It grows to it's full height of 12" to 30" in one season. Caladiums are perfectly comfortable in a pot or container, resulting in a very popular houseplant or deck plant. In fact, word has it that they are a favorite indoor plant at the White House!
Did you know? While it is native to Brazil, Lake Placid, Florida claims to be the Caladium capital of the world. Nurseries in this area grow a wide range of Caladiums on thousands of acres. Caladium grows well with little care or attention. Fertilize outdoors once a month with a general purpose fertilizer. Indoors, use a liquid fertilizer every couple of weeks. During the growing period, remove any dead or damaged leaves.
Best of all, caladiums are a perennial and on sale this week!
GREEN LIGHT SPECIAL!
Buy 1 perennial 1 gallon, get a second 1 gallon perennial at half price!
So what's the difference in an Annual and a Perennial?
Annuals by definition are plants whose life cycle lasts only one year, from seed to blooms to seeds but in Florida they often only last three to four months with our extreme summer heat and/or dry/rainy seasons. Examples of annuals are marigolds, bachelor buttons, zinnias, pansies, alyssum which are most often available in 4 inch and 1 gallon size containers. They are an excellent way to create a great splash of color in the garden and often have the brightest and most cheery of blooms.
Perennials, like old friends, return year after year, growing in size and stature until they reach their full maturity. Although they live on longer, many perennials lose their vigor after 3-4 years, and should be replaced. Most perennial plants may be divided to produce new plants, or they may be grown from seeds or cuttings. Perennials are available as 4 inch starters, 1 gallon size or even larger.
Planting annuals and perennials are basically the same, but with a few variances. When you plant a perennial, you must consider that your plant will be in the same spot for several years. As such, the preparation of the ground must be more complete. Annuals on the other hand will do just fine in any reasonably rich soil, with a minimum of feeding. *Always refer to plant care labels for specific requirements and cultural practices for your plants such as sun, water, pruning, division, etc.
Are you planning to plant a fall vegetable garden?
Now is the time to prepare your beds as first seeds can start being sown around the middle of July. Watch for upcoming articles on how to have a bountiful garden this autumn!
Growing and playing together!
The Palmer's Garden Team
www.palmersgarden.com
www.palmersgarden.blogspot.com
2610 Corrine Drive~ Orlando, FL 32803
jeff@palmersgarden.com or news@palmersgarden.com
407 896-5951
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