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'Illustris' Elephant's Ear Colocasia esculenta

Flower Season
  • Spring
  • Summer
Mature Size
5' 3' 1.5m 91cm
Height: 3' - 5'
Spread: 12" - 3'
Height: 91cm - 1.5m
Spread: 30cm - 91cm
Proven Selections
Award Winner
  • 36 - 60 Inches
    12 - 36 Inches
    12 - 36 Inches
    91cm - 1.5m
    30cm - 91cm
    30cm - 91cm

    Features

    Leaves have a dramatic green venation, which highlights its black background, loves wet conditions

    Award Winner
    Adaptable As Houseplant
    Foliage Interest
    Heat Tolerant
    Deadheading Not Necessary
    Water Plant

    Characteristics

    Plant Type: 
    Annual
    Height Category: 
    Tall
    Garden Height: 
    36 - 60 Inches 91cm - 1.5m
    Spacing: 
    12 - 36 Inches 30cm - 91cm
    Spread: 
    12 - 36 Inches 30cm - 91cm
    Flower Shade: 
    None
    Foliage Colors: 
    Purple
    Foliage Shade: 
    Black/Purple
    Habit: 
    Upright
    Container Role: 
    Thriller

    Plant Needs

    Light Requirement: 
    Part Sun to Sun

    The optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).

    Maintenance Category: 
    Easy
    Bloom Time: 
    Grown for Foliage
    Hardiness Zones: 
    8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
    Water Category: 
    Average
    Uses: 
    Container
    Uses: 
    Landscape
    Uses Notes: 

    Great in large containers or in the landscape

    Maintenance Notes: 

    According to the Humane Society of American Colocasia plants can be toxic to pets. This is means that the plants are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction.

    This plant is not edible and can be harmful to humans if ingested.

    Colocasia form tubers and these tubers can be stored for replanting in the spring. To dig and store tubers follow these directions. First, allow frost to kill the top of the plant then cut back the stems and dig the tubers. Wash off any soil and then allow the tubers to dry. Wrap dry tubers in newspapers or pack them in peat moss. Label each tuber or group of tubers so you know what they are come spring. Store tubers in a dark, cool (35 to 45 F) place. Do not allow tubers to freeze.

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