Skip to Content Skip to Navigation
Menu

Top 19 Caladium Companion Plants

Caladiums are a gardener's dream. With their vibrant, heart-shaped leaves, they add a tropical touch to any garden. But did you know that pairing them with the right companion plants can make them look even better? It's all about creating a harmonious blend of colors, textures, and growth habits.

Contributors: Sarah Hutchinson

Buy Proven Winners plants online and have them shipped right to your door.

In this article, we'll explore the top companion plants for caladiums. Whether you're planting in garden beds or pots, in shade or sun, these combinations will take your garden to the next level. So, let's dive in and discover what to plant with your caladiums for a stunning display.

Hostas1. Hosta

Shadowland® 'Autumn Frost' 

Hostas are many gardeners' favorite for good reason. Their lush, broad leaves pair beautifully with the heart-shaped foliage of caladiums. Both thrive in shady, well-drained areas, making them the perfect garden companions. What's more, hostas come in lots of colors from deep greens to blue-grays, allowing you to get creative with vibrant combinations.

Hardy in zones 3-9, part shade to shade, 12” tall, 2' wide

Ferns2. Fern

'Crested Surf'

Ferns, like many caladiums, flourish in shady spots. Their delicate, feathery fronds provide a lovely textural contrast that really makes the caladiums pop. With ferns available in many sizes and shapes, you can easily create lavish, layered garden beds. Choose taller varieties to backdrop your caladiums or opt for lower-growing ferns as a vibrant green carpet underneath.

Hardy in zones 3-8, part shade to shade, 20-22” tall, 2'4"-2'6" wide

impatiens3. Impatiens

Rockapulco® Rose

For a burst of vibrant color, pair your caladiums with impatiens. Their cheerful blooms provide the perfect complement to caladium's bold foliage. These shade-loving plants come in a rainbow of hues, allowing you to craft stunning color combinations. 

Annual, part shade to shade, 10-20” tall, 12"-2' wide

begonias4. Begonia

Double Up® Red

If you're looking to make your caladium displays pop, consider the showstopping begonia. These flowering plants are like a painting come to life, with rich patterns and colors. Begonias love the same shaded conditions as caladiums, making them brilliant garden buddies.

Annual, sun or shade, 8-18” tall, 8"-14" wide

coleus5. Coleus

ColorBlaze® Lime Time®

For a foolproof way to amplify your caladium display, look no further than coleus. These leafy showstoppers bring their own kaleidoscope of colors and patterns to the party. From lime greens to vivid crimsons, coleus foliage adds an electric jolt that beautifully complements caladiums. Even better, coleus shares their love of dappled shade, making them an ideal low-maintenance pair.

Annual, sun or shade, 8-18” tall, 8"-14" wide

coral bells6. Coral Bells

Primo® 'Black Pearl'

Coral bells, or Heuchera, are versatile perennials that pair beautifully with caladiums. Their attractive foliage and bell-shaped flowers come in a variety of colors and forms, providing multi-seasonal interest and a long bloom time. Coral bells thrive in shade gardens or pots, making them a flexible companion for caladiums. Some varieties even tolerate sunny locations, adding to their versatility.

Hardy in zones 4-9, sun or shade, 8-10” tall, 18"-20" wide

astilbe7. Astilbe

'Dark Side of the Moon'

If you're seeking to balance caladium's bold foliage, consider feathery astilbes. These shade-loving perennials send up plumes of delicate blooms that seem to float above their fern-like foliage. Astilbes' wispy flower wands provide an airy counterpoint to caladiums' robust leaves. 

Hardy in zones 4-9, sun or shade, 20-22” tall, 12'-2'4" wide

wishbone flower8. Wishbone Flower

Catalina® Midnight Blue

Torenia, also known as wishbone flower, is perfect for gardeners seeking delicate blooms that pack a serious punch. These charming little flowers are a great way to sprinkle some extra magic among your caladiums, thanks to their ability to thrive in either sun and shade. Torenia's palette ranges from soft lavenders to vibrant blues. Plus, their easygoing nature makes them a breeze to grow, even for gardening newbies. 

Annual, sun or shade, 8-16” tall, 8"-10" wide

polka dot plant9. Polka Dot Plant

Hippo® Rose

When pondering what to plant with caladiums, don't overlook the playful polka dot plant. They are the life of the party, with their vibrant, speckled foliage standing out amongst your caladiums. With a color intensity that rivals even the boldest caladiums, polka dot plants are the perfect partners for creating a visual feast. 

Annual, part shade to shade, 16-22” tall, 8"-14" wide

sweet potato vine10. Sweet Potato Vine

Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Lime

If you're on the hunt for what to plant with caladiums in pots, consider trailing sweet potato vines. These versatile plants are the perfect contrast for caladiums, adding a lush, romantic touch to any container. And talk about options — sweet potato vines come in a rainbow of colors, from deep purples to lime greens, ensuring there's a perfect hue to complement your caladium display. Let them spill over the edges of your containers to elevate your garden from ordinary to extraordinary.

Annual, part sun to sun, 6-16” tall, 20"-3' wide

lantana11. Lantana

Luscious® Citrus Blend

If you're growing caladiums in a sunny spot, consider incorporating lantana. These colorful flowers come in a variety of shades, from sunny yellows to vibrant pinks, creating a cheerful contrast to the lush foliage of caladiums. Lantanas are also known for attracting butterflies and hummingbirds, adding an extra element of delight to your garden.

Annual, full sun, 20"-2'6” tall, 20"-2'6" wide

sunflower12. Sunflower

Suncredible® Yellow

Sunflowers are a wonderful addition to your garden, especially when grown alongside sun-loving caladiums. These towering beauties bring a touch of rustic charm, with their vibrant blooms creating a striking contrast against caladiums' lush foliage. Additionally, sunflowers attract beneficial pollinators like bees and birds, adding a lively and dynamic element to your garden.

Annual, full sun, 2'-3' tall, 20"-2'8" wide

pentas13. Pentas

Sunstar® Red

Pentas are a fantastic choice to plant with caladiums that like sun. These flowering plants add a burst of eye-catching color while also serving as a magnet for butterflies and hummingbirds, thanks to their nectar-rich blooms. By pairing pentas with caladiums, you'll create a stunning contrast of lush foliage and bright flowers. 

Annual, part sun to sun, 18-22" tall, 16"-2' wide

weigela14. Weigela

Czechmark Trilogy®

Weigela is another great companion for sun-tolerant caladiums. This flowering shrub is a triple threat in the garden, offering privacy screening, landscape appeal, and a stunning backdrop for caladiums' bold foliage. Whether you're looking to hide an unsightly air conditioner or simply elevate your flower beds, weigela and caladiums are a match made in heaven!

Hardy in zones 4-8, full sun, 3'-3'6" tall, 3'-3'6" wide

wormwood15. Wormwood

Silver Bullet®

Sun-loving caladiums and wormwood make a dynamic pairing in container gardens and landscapes alike. The bold foliage of caladiums takes center stage, while wormwood's feathery, silvery-gray textures play a captivating supporting role. The contrast between these two plants adds depth and interest to any composition.

Annual, full sun, 6-10" tall, 12"-2'6" wide

Egyptian papyrus16. Egyptian Papyrus

Graceful Grasses® Prince Tut

Whether you opt for the tall, architectural varieties or the charming dwarf sizes, this versatile plant is the perfect partner for caladiums. In large containers, the towering papyrus grass adds drama and height, creating a stunning focal point. But don't count out the dwarf varieties — they bring a sense of elegance and sophistication to smaller spaces. When paired in the landscape, caladiums and Egyptian papyrus grass create a fun combo that's hard to match.

Annual, part sun to sun, 18"-2'6" tall, 2'-3' wide

elephant's ear17. Colocasia

Coffee Cups

Colocasia, also known as elephant ears, are fabulous tropical plants perfect for adding a dramatic touch to your garden. These beauties can be grown as annuals in colder climates or perennials in warmer regions. Their large, bold leaves make them an eye-catching focal point in any landscape or container. Pair them with caladiums to enhance the tropical theme, creating a lush and vibrant display that’s sure to impress.

Annual, part sun to sun, 3'-5' tall, 2'6"-4' wide

dichondra18. Dichondra

Silver Falls

Dichondra's fan-shaped silver foliage contrasts beautifully with caladiums' lush leaves. Use it it add a cascading effect to hanging baskets and planters. Dichondra thrives in sunny areas and it's heat and drought tolerant. Whether used in containers or as ground cover, dichondra enhances the visual appeal of any garden, making it an ideal partner for sun caladiums.

Annual, part sun to sun, 2-6" tall, 18"-3' wide

shamrock19. Shamrock

Charmed® Wine

Shamrock plants are perfect for shady areas. They thrive in hanging baskets, window boxes, and landscapes, adding charm with their delicate, clover-like leaves. When paired with caladiums, shamrocks create appealing combinations which bring sophistication and variety to any garden design.

Annual, sun or shade, 6-16" tall, 11-12" wide

Companion Planting Tips for Caladiums in Pots

Planting caladiums in pots? You can still use companion plants. Just keep a few things in mind:

  • First, consider the size and growth habit of your companion plants. They should fit well in the pot with your caladiums.
  • Also, group plants with similar water and light needs. This will help all plants thrive.
  • Avoid overcrowding. Each plant needs enough space to grow.
  • Lastly, use a high-quality potting mix to ensure good drainage and nutrients.

If you're looking for some creative container recipes featuring caladiums, check out these ideas for inspiration.

Creating Your Caladium Companion Planting Palette

Creating a companion planting palette for caladiums is an art. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

  • Mix textures, forms, and colors.
  • Consider the existing color palette to create a cohesive look.
  • Account for the different blooming periods of companion plants.

Ultimately, it is about experimenting with different caladium combinations to find what works best in your garden. Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. What works in one garden might not work in another.

Buy Proven Winners plants: 

Find a local garden center

Order plants online

Want to learn more?

5 Tips for Choosing Container Companions

13 Plants That Lend a Tropical Feel to Your Garden

Back to Top
truetrue

Find plants you love and create idea boards for all your projects.

To create an idea board, sign in or create an account.