Colocasia esculenta 'Illustris'

Shade Color

Common Name: Elephant Ear, Imperial Taro

This fabulous tropical beauty is a high impact plant with magnificent huge leaves. It makes an “imperial” specimen in large containers and water gardens.

Giant arrow-shaped leaves measuring up to 3’ long are green with a heavy blackish purple overlay and bright green veins. In more sun, the purple color is dominant but not quite as dark as C. ‘Black Magic’.

Though fragrant, pale yellow flowers are occasionally produced in summer, this plant is really grown more for its outstanding foliage.

It will grow taller in richer soil with a constant supply of moisture. It will also send out underground runners where it is happy in the garden, providing plants for you to share with friends.

This plant is hardy outdoors to approximately zone 7b. In colder zones, it is best grown indoors as a houseplant during winter.

Height:

3.0-5.0 Feet

Spread:

3.0-4.0 Feet

Hardiness Zones:

(7),8,9,10

Flower Color:

Yellow/Gold Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades Purple shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Average Water Needs Consistent Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Fertile Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Acidic Soil (pH < 7.0) Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0)

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Asian Patio Container Eclectic Modern Water Garden

Other Features:

Bog Plant Container Attractive Foliage Specimen Focal Point

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Colocasia is an outstanding tropical plant that is often grown as an annual in colder zones. It is a moisture loving plant that needs consistently moist to wet soil to perform best and achieve its maximum size. Colocasia will also grow in shallow water near the edges of ponds or bogs. This plant prefers full sun as long as sufficient moisture and humidity are provided. In dry climates, it is better sited in partial shade. Colocasias are heavy feeders, so the soil should be enriched with humus and other organic nutrients should be provided on a regular basis. Where Colocasia is hardy, it should be mulched well in winter to protect the central tuber.

Characteristics