“A Good Idea”, a copyrighted post, was written for my WordPress blog called Always Growing by Jan in Covington, Louisiana
One of the best gardening ideas to ever be developed was sun tolerant caladiums. I have used “regular” caladiums in my garden for years, but always in shady locations. Nothing brightens up a shady area like the green and white ones such as Candidum, June Bride, Aaron, and my personal favorite, White Christmas. I have used Pink Beauty, Freida Hemple, and Kathleen under the magnolia tree to add a little color where nothing else would grow.
But, there are areas that receive short periods of intense sun and then shade for the rest day that those listed above just can’t take. I had tried some in the entry garden, but by the end of June, they had faded and were struggling in the noon day sun. Then, last year, I tried a sun tolerant caladium – Gingerland.
It works well in shade.
I originally chose this one because of its colors. Since that garden is mainly red and purple flowers, the green and white with splashes of red would be perfect. These little tubers have worked out perfectly. They get full sun at least four hours each day around noon time, and they can take it. I do water the garden almost daily in this heat, but I do it more for the other plants than the caladiums. And, if the other plants wilt, Gingerland never does.
It works well in sun.
This sun tolerant caladium has performed well where other caladiums just looked stressed and faded after a few weeks in the noon day sun. While I would not try and grow them in a hot, dry area, these filled a need for a colorful plant that could take both shade and sun.
Always Growing 
Nancy Bond said,
June 10, 2008 at 1:40 pm
Such beautifully colored foliage! I especially like the first one.
Mary Beth said,
June 10, 2008 at 3:08 pm
Ironically I gave a box of Gingerland to my daughters this Spring – they looked great a week ago and now I know why – they were bred to look good in the heat! Thanks for sharing that variety with us all. It will definitely be in my caladium order next year!
Jan said,
June 10, 2008 at 7:14 pm
Your daughter is lucky to have a mom who gives such great gifts, Mary Beth. Yes, Gingerland does very well in the sun. I think it must be the thicker leaves it has. This is my second year with them, and they are perfect for that sunny/shady spot.