Grandiflora
Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
ALOCASIA wentii
Plant Common Name
Hardy Elephant Ear, Went's Taro
General Description
This is much hardier that your average elephant ear. Went's taro can tolerate winters to zone 7, especially if planted in a protected location. This clump-forming herbaceous plant originates from the montane regions of New Guinea. If offers bold deep green leaves with purple or bronze-hued undersides. In summer it produces fairly inconspicuous flowers that consist of an ivory floral column, called a spadix, that's wrapped by a green petal-like leaf, called a spathe.
Sites with partial sun to partial shade are best for Went's taro. It prefers rich soil that is evenly moist, but moderately well-drained. This is a subtly attractive foliage plant that pairs well with colorful flowers tropicals in mixed beds and container plantings
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 8
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 12
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Perennial
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Sun Exposure
Partial Sun, Partial Shade
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Height
2'-3' / 0.6m - 0.9m
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Width
3'-4' / 0.9m - 1.2m
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Bloom Time
Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer
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Native To
Micronesia
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Insignificant
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Flower Color
White, Green
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Flower Color Modifier
Bicolor
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Fruit Color
Red, Orange
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green, Bronze, Plum
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Bronze, Plum
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Bronze, Plum
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Fragrant Flowers
Yes
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Fragrant Fruit
No
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
No
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Showy Fruit
Yes
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Edible Fruit
No
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Bold
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Foliage Sheen
Glossy
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Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
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Showy Bark
No
