Photo of Colocasia esculenta 'Big Dipper' foliage by Brian's Botanicals

Photo by Brian's Botanicals

Used with permission, all rights reserved

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Colocasia esculenta 'Big Dipper'

Also Known As

  • Big Dipper Elephant Ear

Plant type

perennial, bulb / corm / tuber, aquatic, aroid

size

  • H: 4'-6'
  • W: 2'

planting zones

  • 7b-10b

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Colocasia esculenta 'Big Dipper' plant details

Colocasia esculenta 'Big Dipper' is a fast-growing broadleaf deciduous perennial aquatic aroid bulb / corm / tuber with blue foliage. In summer cream and insignificant flowers flowers emerge Flowers are not showy, but nurture a healthy ecosystem as wildlife habitat. Grows well with sun and standing water - high water. Does well in rich soil. A good option if you're seeking something humidity tolerant and verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Colocasia esculenta 'Big Dipper'

Plant type: perennial aquatic aroid bulb / corm / tuber
Plant family: araceae
Foliage: deciduous blue
Mature size: 2 FT wide, 4 FT - 6 FT - tall
Flowers: cream and insignificant flowers blooms in summer
Uses: big leaves, heart-shaped leaves, tropical-looking

GROWING CONDITIONS for Colocasia esculenta 'Big Dipper'

USDA Zones: 7b - 10b
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: standing water - high
Resistant to: humidity and verticillium wilt
Soil needs: rich

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

Colocasia Big Dipper has large dark green cupped up leaves with a slight velvet look to them. The stems are dark maroon to purple in color. This plant sends out runners. We have been able to grow this plant to 7 feet tall with 2 and 1/2 foot leaves. One of the interesting things about this plant is how the leaves will hold water after a rain like a bird bath. This plant likes full sun but can take part shade. If this plant is planted in shade it will take a little longer to emerge in the spring. We have over wintered Colocasia Big Dipper outside in zone 6 for the last 7 years, with protection 4 to 6 inches deep right on top of the plants. It can grow as an aquatic in a pond during the summer. We recommend this plant for northern tropical landscapes because of its great shape and the ability to over winter with a little bit of mulch. Plants may be bare rooted in early spring or late fall to winter. In spring expect plants in 4 inch pots. Foliage: Cupped leaf Flowers: Yellow spath. Height: 6 to 7 ft

Gardening facts about Colocasia esculenta 'Big Dipper' plant

How to Grow Colocasia esculenta 'Big Dipper'

  • Sun Exposure

    • sun
  • Water Needs

    • standing water - high
  • Soil Needs

    • rich
  • Special Situation

    • humidity tolerant
    • verticillium wilt resistant

Features

  • Foliage Color

    • blue
  • Flower Color

    • cream
  • Flower Season

    • summer
  • Foliage Season

    • deciduous

See other plant types of Colocasia for your garden

aka 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

Zones

9a-12

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 3'-6'

  • sun - mostly shade
  • standing water - regular
Photo of Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris' foliage by Rare Plant Research
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aka Taro

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber, Aquatic, Aroid

Zones

8a-12

Size

Height: 3'-6'

Width: 3'-6'

  • sun - dappled shade
  • high - regular
Photo of Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic' foliage by Leafari
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aka Dwarf Taro, Silver Leaf Dwarf Elephant Ear

Plant Type

Perennial, Groundcover, Bulb / Corm / Tuber, Aquatic, Aroid

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 1'-2'

Width: 2'-4'

  • mostly sun - shade
  • standing water - high
Photo of Colocasia fallax foliage by Brian's Botanicals
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aka Diamond Head Elephant Ear

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber, Aroid

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 3'-4'

Width: 3'-4'

  • mostly sun - bright shade
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Colocasia esculenta 'Diamond Head' foliage by Leafari
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aka Mojito Elephant Ear

Plant Type

Perennial, Bulb / Corm / Tuber, Aroid

Zones

7b-10b

Size

Height: 3'-5'

Width: 3'-5'

  • sun - mostly sun
  • even moisture - regular
Photo of Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' foliage by Leafari
View Plant

More Options

+69 more Colocasia
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