Carolyn Whorton Caladium Bulbs | Sun-Tolerant Pink Fancy Leaf Tropical Foliage

Large, Bright Pink with Red Veins — A Sun-Tolerant Classic

Carolyn Whorton is a beloved caladium variety prized for its large, bright pink leaves with vivid red veins and crisp dark green edges. It produces tall stems and oversized leaves that create a bold, tropical statement wherever it grows — and unlike many fancy-leaf varieties, Carolyn Whorton genuinely thrives in full sun as well as partial shade, making it one of the most versatile caladiums for open garden beds and sunny containers.

Plant Highlights

• Leaf type: Fancy leaf — large, heart-shaped
• Colors: Bright pink with red veins and dark green edges
• Height: 1–2 feet with tall stems and large leaves
• Spread: Up to 1 foot
• Light: Full sun, part sun, filtered shade, or morning sun — highly versatile
• USDA Zones: 9–11 (lift tubers in fall in colder zones)
• Great for: Borders, window boxes, entryways, shaded porches, sunny containers
• Thrives in: Heat and humidity

How to Plant Caladium Bulbs

Plant tubers in pots in March for early sprouting indoors, then transplant outdoors when night temperatures are consistently 60°F or above — typically around May 15. Plant in well-drained, moist soil. Avoid cold, wet soils — tubers rot quickly in cold, moist conditions. If growing in a sunny location, ensure some afternoon shade during the hottest part of the day.

Care Tips

• Soil: Fertile, well-draining; improve with compost or topsoil at planting
• Water: Moderate at first; keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Plants signal when they need water once established
• Fertilizer: Use sparingly — too much causes excess green at the expense of pink color
• De-eyeing: Remove primary sprouts before planting for shorter, bushier, fuller growth
• Winter storage: In zones below 9, dig tubers in fall and store in a dry, airy place until spring

Carolyn Whorton is an outstanding border plant and container specimen — its bold pink color brightens shaded corners and sunny spots alike.