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Colocasia (Taro, Elephant Ear)
The elephant ears we offer differ from the more common green box-store type. We offer many new and hard-to-find selections with colorful leaves as well as colorful stems. We are particularly excited to offer the new Hawaiian series of elephant ears that were bred for ornamental value from Hawaiian breeder John Cho.
Colocasias are very heavy feeders, so if your plant isn't growing enough, you either need more heat or more nitrogen. All of the colocasias we offer are hardy here in Zone 7b. Although suitable for soggy conditions, the cold-hardiness of colocasia is increased in soil that is not soggy during the winter. Where they remain in the ground over winter, they will be quite late to re-emerge in late spring or early summer, unless they are covered with 3-6" of mulch in early fall. North of Zone 8, it is essential that they are not planted after late August to ensure best winter hardiness. In parts of the country, a few of the newer cultivars of elephant ears do not form large tubers and, if dug in winter, cannot be stored dry due to a lack of adequate food reserves. These are best overwintered in containers in a cool basement or garage that remains above freezing. They also will not take a notion to grow until the summer temperatures escalate.
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Colocasia affinis 'Jenningsii' (Dwarf Elephant Ear)
Part Sun to Shade Zone: 8-10, at least 18" tall Origin: Himalayas
Open House/Web-Only!
This charming but little-known dwarf elephant ear is loved for its picture-perfect, velvety charcoal leaf face with central charcoal veining and a giant silver blotch in the center of each leaf. Most material sold as this is actually C. antiquorum 'Illustris' (no central silver pattern and green veins). This 18" tall, light shade and moisture-loving species has proven to be a superb garden plant. Throughout the summer, the dense clumps are also adorned with small flowers of the yellow spathes and spadix persuasion. C. 'Jenningsii' goes dormant just before fall freeze and resprouts in late June, so don't panic! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #03163
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Colocasia 'Blackwater' (Blackwater Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10, possibly colder 72" tall Origin: Tropical Asia
Open House/Web-Only!
Several years ago, we received a shipment of Colocasia from India of which most were inferior to plants we already grew. After several years of trials, one plant stood out that we are now able to share. Colocasia 'Blackwater' is similar to C. 'Fontanesii' with glossy, jet black stems rising to 6' tall. The stems are topped with glossy, dark olive-green leaves that are much darker and narrower, with a longer leaf tip than C. 'Fontanesii'. It spreads rapidly via black snake-like rhizomes that lay on top of the ground. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07511
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Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' (Coffee Cups Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10 72" tall Origin: Asia
Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' was discovered in the wild by Indonesian botanist Gregory Hambali and brought to the US by aroid expert Alan Galloway. Colocasia 'Coffee Cups' makes a stunning 6' tall clump of Colocasia 'Fontanesii'-like leaves (glossy olive green) with a dark purple-black stem. The unique feature is the dramatic leaf cupping, even more dramatic than C. 'Big Dipper'. As the leaf fills with water, the stem gives enough for the leaf to dump out its catch before refilling...fascinating. Obviously, it performs best in freshly ground soil. C. 'Coffee Cups' sends out aboveground runners...but only in the fall. Most of the plants previously sold in the US under this name are actually C. 'Big Dipper'. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06668
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Colocasia esculenta 'Big Dipper' (Big Dipper Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10 72" tall Origin: Asia
Open House/Web-Only!
This unusual elephant ear appears to be a mutation from C. esculenta 'Burgundy Stem'. The 6' tall purple-black stems are topped with grey-green matte finish leaves that are initially held horizontal before they mature to a more vertical angle. The unique effect is that the leaves can actually hold quite a bit of water. When the leaves have too much water, they dump the excess and then return to horizontal to catch more...fascinating! This is a very vigorous cultivar producing lots of black snake-like runners atop the ground...great for propagating and loads of fun when friends get drunk. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06706
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Colocasia esculenta 'Black Magic' (Black Magic Elephant Ear)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7b-10 60" tall Origin: Asia
From California's Walter Pagels comes this elephant ear that could only be described as AWESOME!!!! This is a four exclamation point plant if there ever was one. The dusty, solid purple-black leaves to 2' long make this elephant ear one of the most spectacular forms ever introduced...especially great for designers who love purples and blacks! It makes a giant clump to 5-6' tall with a similar spread. Our plant has survived 0 degrees F with no problem and no mulch! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #01818
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Colocasia esculenta 'Black Marble' (Black Marble Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10 60" tall Origin: Hybrid
Open House/Web-Only!
(aka: C. 'Multiflora) This Agri-Starts introduction is a sport of the old favorite C. esculenta 'Burgundy Stem'. Each dark grey-green leaf is highlighted by random purple-black sectors and flecks. Despite the instability of the pattern, the patterning does persist throughout the entire plant. Due to this instability, C. 'Black Marble' has a high cull rate in production and will never be produced commercially in huge numbers. Enjoy them while they last. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #05487
SOLD OUT
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Colocasia esculenta 'Black Runner' (Black Runner Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10 72" tall Origin: Asia
Move over 'Black Magic'...another member of the family has arrived. Colocasia 'Black Runner' is a first cousin and probably a mutation of the popular Colocasia 'Black Magic'. C. 'Black Runner' makes a stunning 6' tall clump with 2' long leaves that emerge more of a black-purple than C. 'Black Magic'. Its leaf edges are also much more ruffled than its cousin. The biggest difference, however, is the black, snake-like runners creeping along the ground, pegging into moist soil every few inches and sending up another plant. This is a superb new introduction that will soon find its way into gardens around the world. As with most elephant ears, moist soil and high nutrition are the keys to great specimens.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04867
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Colocasia esculenta 'Blue Hawaii' PPAF (Blue Hawaii Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10, guessing 30" tall Origin: Hybrid
(aka: Colocasia 2005-24) There's nothing blue about this 2008 John Cho hybrid, except for you if you don't get one before they sell out. The medium-green 12" long leaves are highlighted by the most dramatic purple veins we've ever seen on an elephant ear. On the leaf back, the veins are equally dramatic, only cranberry instead of purple. This small elephant ear tops out for us at only 30" tall...perfect for a smaller location. Remember, rich moist soil grows the best elephant ears. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08042
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Colocasia esculenta 'Coal Miner' (Coal Miner Elephant Ear)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7-10, at least 54" tall Origin: China, India
Several years ago, we received plants from India as Colocasia antiquorum. One exceptional clone was later christened Colocasia 'Coal Miner'. In appearance, C. 'Coal Miner' looks like a larger version of C. 'Illustris' except for emerging 2 months earlier (late March in NC), and not spreading underground as vigorously as C. 'Illustris'. The black leaf pattern is similar to C. 'Illustris', but the background leaf color is quite different (dark olive vs. medium green), and the emerging new leaves have a stunning velvet patina. For us, C. 'Coal Miner' tops out at 54" tall, while C. 'Illustris' only reaches 40" for us. I think you will agree that C. 'Coal Miner' is worth excavating a new hole. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #06901
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Colocasia esculenta 'Diamond Head' PPAF (Diamond Head Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10 48" tall Origin: Hybrid
(aka: Colocasia 2005-17) Colocasia 'Diamond Head' is another 2008 release from John Cho's breeding program that takes elephant ears to a whole new level. With this introduction, John has been able to combine the color of C. 'Black Magic' with the glossy leaf surface usually seen only in alocasias. The 15" long glossy, chocolate-black, lightly ruffled-edge leaves compose a well-behaved 4' tall clump. Remember, rich moist soil grows the best elephant ears. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07245
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Colocasia esculenta 'Elena' PPAF (Elena Elephant Ear)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7b-10, at least 36" tall Origin: Hybrid
Finally, we have a hardy replacement for the tropical Xanthosoma 'Lime Zinger'. This chartreuse-leaf elephant ear was found as a sport of Colocasia 'Chicago Harlequin' at Alan Shapiro's Grandiflora Nursery by Randy Strode of Agri-Starts, and subsequently named after Alan's wife, Ellen. Our clumps, which top out at 3' tall, are composed of creamy white stalks that turn purple where they join the leaf. The stalks are topped with 20" chartreuse leaves with purple veins where the stalk attaches...perfect for some cool color combinations. C. 'Elena' will spread by aboveground rhizomes when planted in moist sites. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07783
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Colocasia esculenta 'Hawaiian Eye' PPAF (Hawaiian Eye Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10 48" tall Origin: Hybrid
(aka: Colocasia 2005-23) This 2008 John Cho introduction makes a 4' tall non-running clump, composed of large 18" long leaves that emerge black with silver-grey veins. As the leaves age, they morph to grey green, each highlighted by a dark central eye of purple radiating out into the leaf. Each leaf is further highlighted by a narrow purple border and a great backside as the veins on the reverse appear to be bright cranberry. The glossy jet black stem is a stunning contrast to both the leaves and the bright yellow flowers in late summer. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08041
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Colocasia esculenta 'Hilo Bay' PPAF (Hilo Bay Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10 48" tall Origin: Hybrid
(aka: Colocasia 2005-05) Colocasia 'Hilo Bay' is a 2008 introduction from the breeding program of Hawaii's John Cho. C. 'Hilo Bay' makes a unique 4' tall specimen with thick, dark chocolate stems, each ending with a 20" olive green leaf. Each thick textured and heavily corrugated leaf with upturned edges is reminiscent of the volcanic rock at Hilo Bay...very unique. This selection spreads slightly, but nothing like the old more aggressive cultivars. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08040
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Colocasia esculenta 'Jack's Giant' (Jack's Giant Elephant Ear)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7-10, at least 84" tall Origin: E. Asia, India
I hope you've got your beanstalk planted 'cause 'Jack's Giant' is here. We received our original plant from Jack de Vroomen of Marlboro Bulb Company, who brought this to us from Costa Rica. The tuber was much larger and shaped differently from other C. esculenta forms we had grown. In our garden, the plants easily reached 7' tall, even in a very dry section, with medium green leaves similar to typical C. esculenta. We are pretty sure it is a triploid form, which should increase winter hardiness. Remember, rich organic soils that are moist during the growing season result in the best growth. Despite the lack of calories, we hope you'll enjoy supersizing your garden! Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07400
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Colocasia esculenta 'Lime Aide' (Lime Aide Elephant Ear)
Sun to Part SunZone: 8-10, at least 48" tall Origin: Tropical Asia
This new Alan Galloway introduction has been diagnosed to be borderline schizophrenic...some leaves are dark green with chartreuse yellow flecks, while others have large sectors of yellow in between the green. The leaves are in addition to the cool leaf petioles which are heavily striped green and yellow. Alan discovered this gem while ditch-hopping in the Philippines...another reason for expanding this botanical pastime. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #07555
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Colocasia esculenta 'Maui Magic' PPAF (Maui Magic Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10, at least 60" tall Origin: Hybrid
(aka: Colocasia 2005-32) This 2008 John Cho release makes an impressive 5' tall clump of dark black-purple stems, topped with 2' long leaves that emerge glossy purplish-black and then change to a semi-gloss dark olive-green, highlighted by purple veins, which are even more prevalent on the leaf backs. This is a very robust grower without any sign of runners. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08064
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Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' PPAF (Mojito Elephant Ear)
Sun to Part SunZone: 7b-10 72" tall Origin: Asia
If you're looking to add another wild and crazy elephant ear to your garden, drink up. Colocasia 'Mojito' (pronounced Mou-hitou) is a sport of C. 'Burgundy Stem' via C. 'Black Marble', discovered at Florida's Agristarts. Named after the popular Cuban mixed drink, the amazing leaves are medium green with dark purple flecks throughout...just too cool! In moist, rich soils, you can expect the clump to reach 6', less in drier sites. Although winter hardy in Zone 7b, the central tuber will often die in the low teens F, so to get larger size plants, mulch well in winter to save the central tuber. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08545
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Colocasia esculenta 'Nancy's Revenge' (Nancy's Revenge Elephant Ear)
Sun to Part SunZone: 8a-10 72" tall Origin: Asia
Colocasia 'Nancy's Revenge' was introduced at the 2000 International Aroid Society meeting in Florida, where it was the most drooled-upon plant. Emerging solid green, the 25" long, light-green leaves begin turning buttercream-yellow along the center at the onset of flowering, with which the coloring is genetically tied. The color then pours down into the main vein creating a huge bold Y-pattern in the center of the leaf. Color then bursts into the lateral (side) veins and begins its march to the margins. C. 'Nancy's Revenge' sends out lots of side stolons that will root into the soil where moisture is adequate. As with all elephant ears...mo' moisture...mo' bigger. C. 'Nancy's Revenge' was discovered in the Caribbean and imported by Jerry Kranz, who later named the plant for his business partner, Nancy McDaniels of Florida.
Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #04593
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Colocasia esculenta 'Pineapple Princess' PPAF (Pineapple Princess Elephant Ear)
SunZone: 7b-10 36" tall Origin: Hybrid
(aka: Colocasia 2004-39) This 2008 John Cho hybrid makes a low 3' tall x 5' wide non-stoloniferous clump, composed of 18" long dusty grey-lavender leaves, each highlighted by dramatic purple veins. The back of the leaves are equally as dramatic with the dark purple veins showing off against the grey-purple back. This has proven to be a vigorous grower in our trials, that also flowers well in late summer and fall with spiky yellow flowers, which are fruity smelling as they begin to open...magnificent! As with all elephant ears, rich moist soil will produce the best specimens. Pot size: 24 fl. oz (709.77 ml) #08039
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