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    • Photo of Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris' foliage by Rare Plant Research

    Photo by Rare Plant Research

    Used with permission, all rights reserved

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    Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris'

    Also Known As

    • Colocasia esculenta
    • Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum 'Illustris'
    • Colocasia illustrius
    • Elephant Ear
    • Illustris Elephant's Ear
    • Illustris Imperial Taro
    • Taro

    Plant type

    perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, aquatic, aroid

    size

    • H: 3'-6'
    • W: 3'-6'

    planting zones

    • 9a-12

    More Options

    Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris' plant details

    Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen perennial aquatic aroid bulb / corm / tuber with black, blue and variegated foliage. In fall, spring, summer and winter flowers emerge. Grows well with sun - mostly shade and standing water - regular water. Does well in rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

    CHARACTERISTICS OF Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris'

    Plant type: perennial aquatic aroid bulb / corm / tuber
    Plant family: araceae
    Foliage: deciduous, evergreen or semi-evergreen black, blue and variegated
    Mature size: 3 FT - 6 FT - wide, 3 FT - 6 FT - tall
    Uses: big leaves, heart-shaped leaves, showy, tropical-looking

    GROWING CONDITIONS for Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris'

    USDA Zones: 9a - 12
    Sun exposure: sun - mostly shade
    Watering frequency: standing water - regular
    Resistant to: verticillium wilt
    Soil needs: rich and well-drained

    Nursery contributed plant descriptions

    These tropical wonders are favorites here, with green leaves heavily washed in a deep, smoky purple. Add pronounced green veins and and an attractive heart shape, and colocasia Illustrus is guaranteed to be a landscape star. This tall beauty matures to 4-5 feet tall and 2-3 feet wide. Happy in part sun sites and moist soil, this elphant ear is stunning partnered with yellow flowering canna Richard Wallace. Why Grow Elephant Ears? Few plants are as bold and impressive as these Excellent for height and drama No need to travel across the world for a touch of the tropics Pittsburgh and Topeka, you CAN grow these. Simply treat them like cannas and dahlias, outside for the summer and sleeping in a cool, dark place for the winter. See Planting Guide (right) for more details.

    By: Leafari

    A classic beauty! 'Illustris' is one of the elephant ears that helped pave the way for the tropical craze that is sweeping nation. It is a strong fast growing variety that does great in container, landscapes, ponds & patios!

    By: Florida Hill Nursery

    Colocasia illustrius: this easy to grow Colocasia grows to 4' or more with dark leaves and green veins. Easily grows in water or in the ground and survives zone 7 winter.

    By: Brian's Botanicals

    Green leaves w/ purple veins.

    By: Little Prince of Oregon

    Colocasia is commonly known as "Elephant Ear" or "Taro". It is a bold plant with huge charcoal grey foliage enhanced with green veins. The plant produces many offshoots for a vigorous display if given plenty of heat, moisture and sunlight.

    By: Avant Gardens

    Dramatic green with bluish-black leaves. The new leaves start out bluish-black and gradually become green with bluish-black accents. Very dramatic.

    By: Rare Plant Research

    Gardening facts about Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris' plant

    How to Grow Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris'

    • Sun Exposure

      • sun - mostly shade

    • Water Needs

      • standing water - regular

    • Soil Needs

      • well-drained
      • rich

    • Special Situation

      • verticillium wilt resistant

    Features

    • Foliage Color

      • variegated
      • blue
      • black

    • Flower Season

      • winter
      • fall
      • summer
      • spring

    • Foliage Season

      • evergreen
      • deciduous
      • semi-evergreen

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