Colocasia collection
elephant's ears
This perennial dies back to below ground level each year in autumn, then fresh new growth appears again in spring.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moist to boggy, slightly acidic soil
- Rate of growth: Fast
- Hardiness: Frost tender (will need winter protection)
Sought after for their impressive foliage, these taros are ideal for jungle-themed borders, but they will also add an exotic feel to the summer bedding display.
In each collection you will receive 3 Colocasia bulbs, one of each of the following:
- Colocasia esculenta: Stately, heart-shaped, deep green leaves, which are marbled with subtle purple blotches and beautifully intersected with dark veins, are held grandly splayed out on jet black stems. An elegant and seductively hypnotic plant that will thrive in reliably moist soils. Grows to 1.5m.
- Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic': When they first emerge in late spring, the large, heart-shaped leaves of this tender perennial are green, however as they mature they take on a bronze-purple flush, which intensifies as the summer progresses to a rich purple-black. It makes a dramatic and showy addition to the bog garden or pond edge. Grows to 1.5m.
- Colocasia esculenta 'Hawaiian Punch': This really does pack a punch! There’s nothing lightweight about this horticultural contender - vibrant, chunky, glossy red stems support huge, green heart-shaped ‘elephant ears’. Plant this exotic-looking leafy number either in containers or perhaps on top of a retaining wall where its drama can be admired from below. Use some solar powered spot-lights to uplight these mesmerising beauties to show them off to best effect! Grows to 1.25m.
Elephant's ears can be planted outside after frost, or started off in pots under glass in late winter to early spring. Plant the bulbs so that their growing tip is just above the soil surface (if there are no noticeable shoots or roots, the end with the concentric rings goes uppermost, while the end with the holes will produce the roots). Water sparingly initially and keep the compost warm. Provide adequate moisture during the growing season and lift the bulbs in autumn before the frosts (or if grown in pots, move them under warm glass) and keep the tubers dry and frost free throughout winter.
- Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten; skin/eye irritant