Family
Araceae
Botanical Name
COLOCASIA 'Royal Hilo'
Plant Common Name
Elephant Ear, Royal Hilo Taro, Taro
General Description
Colocasia ‘Royal Hilo’ is a large tropical perennial that is primarily grown for its broad arrow-shaped leaves and its colorful stems. Matte green leaves with maroon underveins perch horizontally on long stout maroon-stained stalks. The small calla-like flowers are rarely produced. Evergreen in mild climates, colocasia is winter-dormant in the colder parts of its range, dying back to a starchy tuber.
Colocasia prefers full to moderate shade and protection from scorching sun rays. It requires moist organic-rich soil, with enough porosity to prevent stagnation. Grow indoors in a conservatory or set out in a shady bog or pondside, digging and storing the tubers for winter where not hardy.
Characteristics
-
AHS Heat Zone
12 - 10
-
USDA Hardiness Zone
10 - 15
-
Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
-
Plant Type
Bulb or Corm or Tuber
-
Sun Exposure
Partial Shade, Full Shade
-
Height
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
-
Width
3'-5' / 0.9m - 1.5m
-
Native To
Hybrid Origin
Growing Conditions
-
Soil pH
Acidic, Neutral, Alkaline
-
Soil Drainage
Average
-
Soil type
Loam
-
Tolerances
Wet Site
-
Growth Rate
Fast
-
Water Requirements
Average Water, Ample Water
-
Habit
Upright/Erect
-
Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
-
Flower Interest
Insignificant
-
Foliage Color (Spring)
Dark Green, Burgundy, Dark Red
-
Foliage Color (Summer)
Dark Green, Burgundy, Dark Red
-
Foliage Color (Fall)
Dark Green, Burgundy, Dark Red
-
Foliage Color (Winter)
Dark Green, Burgundy, Dark Red
-
Fragrant Flowers
No
-
Fragrant Fruit
No
-
Fragrant Foliage
No
-
Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
-
Flower Petal Number
Single
-
Repeat Bloomer
No
-
Showy Fruit
No
-
Edible Fruit
No
-
Showy Foliage
Yes
-
Foliage Texture
Bold
-
Foliage Sheen
Matte
-
Evergreen
Semi-Evergreen
-
Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
-
Usage
Bog Garden, Container, Feature Plant, Houseplant, Mixed Border, Tropical, Water Gardens
-
Sharp or Has Thorns
No
-
Invasive
No
-
Self-Sowing
No