Caladium - Cardinal
Best foliage choice for gardeners looking to brighten up shady spaces.
Brighten your shady garden spaces with the Caladium Cardinal. This striking variety features arrow-shaped, gently wavy leaves displaying a rich red hue beautifully framed by saturated green borders. The crimson coloration flows down the veins in unique patterns, ensuring every leaf is distinct. It thrives as a companion plant or shines alone in patio pots and hanging baskets. Easy to grow, this tropical foliage provides continuous interest and comes backed by a 100% Grow Guarantee.
$18.87
Owner Satisfaction
4.7
/ 5
Category Rank
16
/ 3088
#16 in Plant & Flower Bulbs
Price vs Category Average
-20%
Below average
Planting Depth
1.52
/ - inches
Who it's for
- Gardeners seeking high-impact color for shaded landscape areas
- Indoor plant lovers needing vibrant foliage for low-light spaces
- Busy homeowners wanting beautiful plants with minimal upkeep
Who should skip it
- Cold-climate gardeners avoiding seasonal bulb storage and replanting
- Pet owners or parents concerned about household plant toxicity
- Forgetful waterers who cannot maintain consistent soil moisture
Performance breakdown
Shade Tolerance
Thrives in low-light conditions where most flowering plants struggle to survive.
Foliage Vibrancy
Deep crimson tones and sharp green borders create high-impact visual contrast.
Container Versatility
Compact growth habit makes it perfect for patio pots and baskets.
Planting Simplicity
Straightforward bulb installation makes this accessible for novice gardeners.
Visual Uniqueness
Intricate vein patterns ensure every leaf offers a distinct, artistic display.
Growth Reliability
Backed by a comprehensive guarantee for peace of mind during planting.
Key Specs
Planting Depth
1.5 - 2 inches
Spacing Requirement
12 inches
Recommended Zones
9-11 or indoors
Sunlight Requirement
Partial Shade to Full Shade
Includes
3 large Caladium bulbs
Model Number
11402-03
USDA Hardiness Zones
9, 10
Plant Life Cycle
Perennial
Features
- Vibrant red leaves with distinct green borders
- Unique, intricate vein patterns on foliage
- Performs well in shady garden areas
- Ideal for patio pots and hanging baskets
- Grown specifically for colorful foliage
- Comes with a 100% Grow Guarantee
What customers say
Customers consistently praise the Caladium Cardinal bulbs for their superior quality and dramatic visual impact. Reviewers frequently note the large, healthy bulbs upon arrival, which result in vigorous growth. The core delight centers on the stunning, deep crimson color that transforms shaded garden areas into vibrant showcases. Many describe the resulting foliage as velvet red and show stopping. The supplier's reliability is also a key factor in high satisfaction. While initial sprouting requires patience, the investment yields a spectacular, long lasting display, making this product highly valued for its exceptional color and dependable performance.
Know before you buy
Yes, you can grow them in cooler climates, but they must be kept in containers and brought indoors before the first frost. Caladiums are tropical perennials that require warm soil to thrive.
Caladium Cardinal performs best in partial to full shade. While they can tolerate some morning sun, intense afternoon heat may scorch their delicate, colorful leaves.
For a standard 10-to-12-inch patio pot, planting all three bulbs included in the package will provide a lush, full appearance. Ensure you space them about 12 inches apart if planting in a larger arrangement.
Plant the bulbs with the 'eyes' or pointed side facing upward at a depth of 1.5 to 2 inches. Ensure the soil is well-draining and kept consistently moist throughout the growing season.
Caladiums are primarily grown for their vibrant, decorative foliage rather than their flowers. While they may produce small, inconspicuous blooms in the fall, the striking red and green leaves are the main attraction.
Still have a question?
Ask Hayley anything about this product before you decide.
Ready to buy?
$19