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’

Carolyn Wharton is one of those Caladiums I’ve used over and over and over again when I want instant impact in the shade. The large, heart-shaped leaves are washed in soft white and blush pink, then outlined with deep green edges and bold red veins that really stop you in your tracks. Even tucked into lower light, the color reads bright and intentional instead of washed out.

This is a Caladium that holds its own. The foliage is broad and upright, which makes it a natural focal point in shaded beds or the centerpiece of a large container. I like using it where I need contrast—those lighter leaves help lift dark corners of the garden and add depth where everything else tends to blend together.

Why We Like It (Our Trials)

In our trials, ‘Carolyn Wharton’ has been consistently dependable in bright shade and dappled light. It emerges evenly, fills out into a full clump, and keeps its leaf size and color strong as long as moisture is consistent. The veining stays sharp well into the season, which isn’t always the case with lighter caladiums.

From a design standpoint, it’s incredibly easy to work with. I’ve paired it with solid green foliage, darker caladium varieties, ferns, and hostas, and it always plays nicely without overpowering its neighbors. If you want a caladium that brings drama, light, and classic beauty to shaded spaces, ‘Carolyn Wharton’ is one I trust every single season.

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.