Nothing will brighten up a shady corner of the garden or patio like the brilliant, heart-shaped foliage of Caladiums, available in a rainbow of colours from deep red through pink to white, many with exciting speckled patterns. Caladiums should be started indoors in March and set out after last frost. Be sure to give them enough water during hot spells. For many years the spectacular tropical foliage and brilliant flowers of Cannas have been a mainstay in public parks and gardens. Many of the new varieties feature multi-coloured flowers that are best viewed in the home garden, and will do quite well grown in containers.
Calla lilies are eye-catching tropical flowers, originally from South Africa.
The blooms are upright growing and trumpet-shaped, about six inches tall and two to three inches across. Many varieties have bright speckles on their broad, sword-like leaves. They are ideal for use in beds, borders or in containers either indoors or out. Oriental Lilies are the largest and some of the most beautiful of all lilies. All varieties are fragrant, and make excellent cut flowers.