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Colocasia esculenta 'Illustris' ('Illustris' elephant's ear, Imperial taro)

Colocasia esculenta 'Illustris' Photo/Illustration: Danielle Sherry



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Colocasia esculenta 'Illustris' Common Name: 'Illustris' elephant's ear, Imperial taro Synonyms: Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum 'Illustris' Genus: Colocasia
The large, heart-shaped leaves of 'Illustris' provide a visual pause because of their sheer size. The dark highlights on the leaves accent purple tones in the garden. This elephant ear is a lover of moist shade, but does best with a little dappled sunlight. It will tolerate boggy conditions.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Large purple-and-green leaves.
 Care: Provide light shade to full shade and consistently moist or boggy soil.
 Propagation: Divide in winter or early spring.
 Problems: Aphids, whiteflies, spider mites, soft rot, bacterial blight, corm and root rot, dasheen mosaic virus.
Height 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Spread 3 ft. to 6 ft.
Growth Habit Clumps
Light Part Shade to Full Shade
Moisture Medium to Wet
Maintenance Low
Characteristics Showy Foliage
Foliage Color Colorful/Burgundy Foliage
Uses Beds and Borders, Container, Waterside
Style Woodland Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest
Type Bulbs,Tropicals

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