So let’s take a look at our containers in the shady back garden, shall we?
Here’s a view of the patio, which is ringed with containers. Overall, I’m pleased with how they look.
The star in most of them are the Caladiums that I grew indoors from tubers. This was much more affordable than purchasing plants, though I did make a mess of the back porch for a few weeks.
I just learned from Google that Caladiums aren’t just called Caladiums, they have common names. These include Elephant Ear, Angel Wings, and Heart of Jesus. I think I’ll just keep calling them Caladiums.
I normally like containers that are overflowing with plants. My original hope had been to underplant the Caladiums with the new mildew-resistant Beacon Impatiens. Sadly I could only obtain 2 of these plants. So instead I used some ‘Diamond Snow’ Euphorbia, plus some Shockwave Petunias that I got free from PanAmerican Seed. The Petunias would be better off with more sun, but they’ll just have to tough it out.
Even so, I never did get enough plants to really fill up all the containers in the Back Garden.
You can barely tell this is a container. It’s actually the base of an old concrete birdbath. In addition to Caladiums, there are 2 perennials growing successfully in there: ‘Patriot’ Hosta and Great Blue Lobelia (Lobelia syphilitica). The Great Blue Lobelia is also growing in a couple of the other containers – you can see them in the top photo. Looking forward to the flowers, though I’m going to have to sneak some stakes in there.
Here are those 2 Beacon Impatiens. No sign of downy mildew, so that’s good.
The containers on the back porch are mostly full of herbs: mint, dill, parsley, and cilantro. Chipmunks are fond of the dill and parsley, so I’ve fortified them with chicken wire.
I suppose I could have a wider variety of foliage plants in these containers, but I prefer to have a lot of what I know I like. Which is to say, Caladiums.
gardeninacity 
I love the caladiums, especially the white varieties. Have you ever tried any of the charming oxalis bulbs? I let them die back in the pots, over winter them in the garage (above freezing), and come spring add a little compost, water and wait!
No, I haven’t tried the oxalis, but they sound tempting.
Your front and back gardens never cease to amaze me. There is always something new. I like the containers of caladiums and euphorbia “Diamond Snow”. This is the first time in many years that I have planted caladiums in containers. They are very satisfying.
Would you consider a post on how you have grown (and I assume over-wintered) your caladiums from tubers, because they are expensive ready to plant from the nursery?
Sure, though I have never successfully overwintered. Could be a learning experience.
Looking good!
Thanks!
This is my second attempt at a comment! Love the caladiums. Would you consider a post on how you grow (and I assume overwinter) the tubers. Purchasing the ready to plant varieties from the nursery is an expensive proposition.
It is indeed an expensive proposition. Sorry you had trouble with commenting.
The Caladiums are the show! I planted one this year in a container near my front door. It isn’t as showy as yours (yet), but I’m hoping it will be.
The only tropical foliage plant I really like.
Oh, how I love those caladiums! A perfect, glowing plant for shade.
Indeed!
We all love your Caladiums! They make wonderful pot plants for shade, I can see that we are all going to be trying them for next year.
Enjoy them!
All that white is rad.
I just talked to a colleague within the past few days about how there is no simple white variegated coleus.
Why is that? Coleus tends to come in rather gaudy colors, which is not what I’m looking for in shade.
I really do not know. Now that you mention it, all coleus are either very brightly colored, or very richly colored. Some of the rich colors are rather dark, like burgundy red or brown.
My mother always grew Caladiums when we lived in Africa, and she called them Elephant Ears! (only green ones….. I do love the white ones)
I don’t think I would be too happy with green ones.
I have never heard Caladiums referred to as any other name. I like the way your white Caladiums shine in the deep shade. They are so cheerful and bright.
I agree!
Your containers are fabulous! The white caladiums brighten up the shade for sure. For the first time this year I’ve had issues with chipmunks eating my herbs, cilantro and basil particularly.
I’m happily joining the chorus of Caladium lovers. I particularly love the second picture container. I haven’t heard of or seen ‘Diamond Snow’ Euphorbia before and it seems like the perfect companion to the Ghostly Caladium. The pink veins in some of the leafs provide just the perfect amount of color to complete the grouping.
The variety name of the white Caladium is ‘Candidum’, I think.
I really like the Caladiums too. Your back garden is so different to the front and looks lovely and shady for sitting. 😃
Yes, I like having what amounts to two gardens, each with a very different feel.
I’ve always like caladiums but back in the day I can’t remember ever seeing white ones. I like them too!
Not sure how long the white cultivars have been available.
I adore white caladiums! They look so great in your containers! I grew ‘Moonlight’ caladiums one year, but was unsuccessful in overwintering them. The ‘Diamond Snow’ euphorbia looks really great with them too.
This variety is called ‘Candidum’, I think.
The caladiums are lovely, I do like the range of names for them! Loving your herbs too.xxx
The herbs are handy right by the back door.
The containers are wonderful. They will be a great sprit-lifting addition to your garden all summer.
As long as I remember to water.
…and I am not good at remembering to water.
Wow, your containers look fabulous! Bravo! I didn’t grow any Caladiums this year, but you’re reminding me how wonderful they are. I didn’t think to grow them from tubers, or to try to overwinter the tubers. Maybe I’ll have to try that. The pots look great surrounding your sitting area!
Thanks! Growing them from tubers was not at al difficult, just a little messy.
Caladiums are totally new to me but I like the way they are lighting up the shade. Amelia
They are great shade plants, especially the white ones.
Wow those Caladiums are gorgeous. I’ve often thought to try them. After seeing how beautiful yours are, now maybe I have to!
Give them a try – why not?
I can only echo the previous comments! The Caladiums are so very beautiful… and their common names are fun.
I learned from your posts the rule of thrillers, spillers and fillers. 🙂 In your containers, there surely are thrillers.
Many white and variegated leaves and white flowers look very elegant. Love the big fern too.
Not a big fan of foliage generally, but I like these big white leaves.
I just gave away the few blooming plants I had, because I just don’t get enough sunlight on my new patio. Even my cacti are suffering. Maybe I’ll give the caladiums a try. I have a pot, and if it succeeds this year, I could do more next spring.
Caladiums are worth a try, but they do need watering.