Are you struggling to find a unique garden-related present for your valentine? How about giving them one of these plants that have heart-shaped leaves. I grow all of these plants and LOVE them all. Hope that you find that magical gift to make your Valentine’s eyes light up with joy.

Caladium

Caladiums are grown from a bulb-like structure that is planted in the ground of in pots after the soil has warmed up to about 65 degrees F. Most caladiums need afternoon shade – but this cultivar – ‘Burning Hearts’ can take a little bit more sun as long as there is plenty of moisture in the soil. For your valentine buy the largest bulb that you can find and offer to plant it later on in the spring as well. The larger the bulb the bigger the plant will be. In cold climates you can dig the bulb up in the autumn and store in a frost-free garage or basement.

Cercis – Redbud

Redbuds or Cercis are small understory trees. Their heart-shaped leaves are green, yellowy-green, tinged with red, or purple – depending on the cultivar that you choose. As the seasons progress the leaves may change color, ending up in autumn as a buttery yellow or a reddish maroon. Their other decorative feature are the white, pink, or lavender flowers that come straight out of the branches, before the leaves emerge. Buy one for your ‘honey’ now or give them a note and a spring planting ‘date’.

Colocasia

Colocasia is another tropical plant that grows from a big bulb-like structure. To grow well these plants need heat, dappled shade, and plenty of water in the soil. They are sometimes called elephant’s ears but that name is shared by several other plants. As a gift, present the ugly looking bulb with a nice photo, otherwise your gardening valentine may think that it is a strange present – unless they are in the know – and then they will be very happy! It is only hardy year-round in zones 9-11.

Cyclamen

Cyclamen is another bulbous plant with heart-shaped leaves. There are several different species that vary in hardiness, from ones that are used as an indoor houseplant, to those that will survive outside to zone 5. The leaves come in various colors that range from plain green to silvery-grey-green centers, silver edges, or speckled markings. I love them all. An added decorative feature is and their cute shuttle-cock-like flowers in pink, fuchsia, magenta, or white. Plant the flat bulbs-like corms close to the soil surface, with the convex side downwards so that their ring of leaves can easily emerge. I highly recommend a cyclamen plant or two for a ‘hearty’ gift.

Epimedium

Our last heart-shaped valentine’s gift plant is a shade-loving hardy perennial that is hardy in zones 4-8. The new leaves emerge in spring just after the tiny hat-shaped flowers in white, pink, orange, yellow or bicolors. I cut back the leaves to the ground with hedge shears to allow the beauty of the new flowers and leaves to shine through. The leaves stay looking nice all growing season. They will grow in dry shade but do better with some moisture and organic matter added to the soil.

I hope that one or more of these plants with heart-shaped leaves will be just right for your gardening valentine. If all else fails go to your local garden center or nursery and buy them a great big gift certificate – you cannot go wrong with that. Then later on when the weather warms up you can go and help them pick out a heart-felt gift. Good luck and happy Valentine’s Day

Bye for now Gardening Friends – Cheers, Jenny Rose Carey

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