Imperial Taro
Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum 'Illustris'
SKU
02417
Stunning, large, deep black leaves highlighted by green veins will add dramatic color and tropical flair to any landscape. Ideal for the edge of a pond or water garden. An excellent container plant for the patio or deck. Spreads freely in rich, wet soils; more slowly in dry, heavy soils. An herbaceous perennial.
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Filtered sun, Partial sun
Water regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil - weekly or more.
CHECK RETAILERS FOR AVAILABILITY:
- 101 Market
8980 Quantrelle Ave. N.e. Otsego MN 55330
- 14th Street Garden Center
793 Jersey Ave. Jersey City NJ 07303
- 3rd Avenue Floral & Greenhouse
1110 3rd Ave. West Dickinson ND 58601
- 4 Ever Green Ldsp. & Dgn
21457 214th Circle Ave Milford IA 51351
| Botanical Pronunciation | kol-oh-KAY-see-uh es-kew-LEN-tuh an-tee-KWOR-um il-LUS-tree |
|---|---|
| Average Size at Maturity | Reaches 3 to 5 ft. tall, spreading 3 to 4 ft. wide. |
| Bloom Time | Rarely blooms; prized for foliage. |
| Deciduous/ Evergreen | Herbaceous |
| Foliage Color | Black |
| Garden Style | Contemporary, Tropical |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Landscape Use | Border, Container, Houseplant, Specimen, Water Garden, Coastal Exposure |
| Light Needs | Filtered sun, Partial sun |
| Soil Needs | Flower & Rose Food |
| Special Feature | Clump Forming, Dramatic Foliage Color, Easy Care, Gift Plant, Tolerates Acidic Soil, Tolerates Wet Soils |
| Water Needs | High |
| Watering Needs | Water regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil - weekly or more. |
| Companion Plants | Canna (Canna); Banana (Musa); Hibiscus (Hibiscus); Bird of Paradise (Strelitzia); Mandevilla (Mandevilla) |
Thrives and spreads freely in evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained soil. Prefers warm, humid environments. Best with part shade in very hot regions. Apply a controlled release fertilizer to the potting mix or garden soil. In cold winter zones, enjoy outdoors but move inside well before threat of frost. Remove old, faded foliage as needed.
This Plant's Growing Zones: 2-11
Your USDA Cold Hardiness Zone:
Your climate may be too cold for this plant