Fancy-leaved Caladium Varieties Recently Introduced by the UF/IFAS Caladium Breeding Program

Abstract

Florida supplies more than 95% of the caladium tubers used in the United States and more than 40 foreign countries in the world. Fancy-leaved caladium varieties account for the majority of the caladium tubers Florida growers produce. Developing new fancy-leaved varieties has been a priority breeding objective for the UF/IFAS caladium breeding program. Toward this objective, six new fancy-leaved varieties have been released since 2008. ‘Tapestry’ (large pinkblotches), ‘Strawberry Star’ (white with red spots), ‘Royal Flush’(red center with green margins), and ‘Berry Patch’ (green with purple spots) have different leaf colors or coloration patterns, and they all have shown much improved sun burn tolerance and landscape performance. They are suitable for growing in large containers and sunny or shady locations in the landscape. ‘Cranberry Star’ and ‘Summer Pink’ were selected for their novel coloration patterns (bright white leaves with green veins and numerous purple spots, or pink face, pink main veins against a white background) and produce attractive plants when forced in containers. These two varieties are selected for growing in containers and shady locations in the landscape.