Botanical Name: Caladium bicolor ‘Carolyn Wharton’

Common Name: Fancy-Leaf Caladium

Hardiness Zone: Perennial in Warm Regions (USDA Zones 9–11); Grown as an Annual Elsewhere

Size: 18–24" Tall × 18–24" Spread

Growth Habit: Upright, Clump-Forming Habit

Sunlight: Partial Shade to Full Shade (Tolerates Morning Sun)

Soil: Prefers Moist, Well-Drained, Organic-Rich Soil

Water Needs: Moderate; Consistent Moisture for Best Growth

Bloom Season: Grown for Foliage (Spring through Fall)

Fertilizer: Light, Regular Feeding During Active Growth

Features: Creamy white to light pink leaves with green margins and pronounced red veining, bold fancy-leaf size, dramatic contrast, and classic caladium coloration

Uses: Ideal for Shade Gardens, Large Containers, Borders, Underplantings, and Woodland Gardens

Patent: ❌ Not Patented

Propagation: ✔ Propagation Allowed

See our complete Caladium Plant Guide for more in depth care details.

More About Caladium ‘Carolyn Wharton’

Caladium ‘Carolyn Wharton’ is a classic fancy-leaf caladium prized for its bold coloration and strong visual contrast. Its large, heart-shaped leaves feature a creamy white to soft pink base accented by rich green margins and striking red veins, creating a vibrant, painterly effect that stands out in shaded landscapes.

This variety delivers substantial foliage presence, making it especially effective as a focal plant in garden beds or as a dramatic centerpiece in large containers. The combination of light leaf color and vivid veining adds depth and interest, even in lower-light areas where many plants fade into the background.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Carolyn Wharton’ has shown excellent performance in bright shade and filtered light, where its colors remain crisp and well-defined throughout the season. It emerges reliably, develops into a full, upright clump, and maintains large, attractive foliage when provided with consistent moisture.

We particularly like how versatile it is in design. ‘Carolyn Wharton’ pairs beautifully with solid green foliage plants, darker caladium varieties, ferns, and hostas, allowing its dramatic veining and soft pink tones to stand out without overwhelming nearby plants.

Caladium ‘Carolyn Wharton’ vs. Other Caladiums

Carolyn Whorton delivers a far more unified and saturated color presentation compared to other speckled varieties like Gingerland and Miss Muffet. Where speckled types rely on dappling and contrast for visual interest, Carolyn Whorton reads immediately as bold pink from a distance, making it more impactful in mass plantings and larger shaded beds. Its broad, heart-shaped leaves also give it more presence than the finer-textured speckled varieties, which tend to feel lighter and more playful by comparison.

When placed alongside white-forward selections like Moonlight or the multi-toned complexity of Tapestry, the difference becomes one of intent and mood. Moonlight functions as a neutral enhancer, while Tapestry leans artistic and intricate; Carolyn Whorton is unapologetically colorful and cheerful. Among this group, it is the strongest choice for gardeners who want pink to be the star rather than an accent, offering a tried-and-true pop of color that anchors designs with confidence.