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COLOCASIA 'Royal Hilo'

Image of Colocasia 'Royal Hilo'

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