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- Height 36-60 Inches
- Width 12-36 Inches
- Use as a thriller when using in containers
- Can be grown outdoors or as a houseplant!
- Growing Zones 8 - 11
Wow! Elephant Ear (Colocasia) never disappoints with its huge, heart-shaped leaves and contrasting venation. Illustris is a dramatic Colocasia esculenta variety with a deep purple and black hue that both catches the eye with its singularity and provides a backdrop for bright blooms to shine. If you’re looking for a large show-stopping plant for a pond garden or a consistently wet area of your landscape, Illustris is for you! Plus, it is adaptable as a houseplant and the tubers can be overwintered so you can enjoy its beauty year after year.
Illustris Elephant Ear grows up to 5’ tall and 3’ wide, and the dark foliage has an upright growing habit that supports its large, majestic leaves. This large stunner looks fabulous when planted in a big container alone or as a tall “thriller” in a combination planting. The deep, dark leaves provide the perfect backdrop for showing off the colorful blooms and green foliage of other plants. The Humane Society of America says that Colocasia plants can be toxic to pets. Do not plant these in an area where a pet might want to nibble on them.
Illustris Colocasia Care
Illustris Elephant Ear thrives in partially sunny conditions with wet or soggy soils. This makes them a perfect water feature or pond plant. Keep the soil constantly wet, or plant them in an area that doesn’t dry out.
Illustris Elephant Ear is adaptable as a houseplant and the tubers can be stored for replanting in the spring. If you have space indoors to bring the large potted plant inside for the winter, it makes an excellent houseplant. Make sure it has indirect sunlight, peat-rich soil and plenty of humidity. Try placing it on a pebble mat or near a humidifier to provide the humidity it needs to thrive.
The tubers can also be stored over the winter and replanted in the spring. Before overwintering the tubers, allow the frost to kill the top of the plant and then cut off all of the stems. Then, dig up the tubers and clean the soil off of them. Wrap them in newspaper or pack them in dry peat moss. Label the tubers and store them in a cool, dark place between 35-45°F. Do not allow them to freeze.
Illustris Colocasia Spacing
These large plants need space! Elephant Ear containers must be at least 12” wide to allow room for growth. When planting in the ground, allow up to 36” space. They can be planted as close as 12” to provide a thick screen or hedge.
Illustris Colocasia Information
| USDA Hardiness Zones: 8-11 |
| Flower Color(s): Grown for Foliage |
| Foliage Color(s) Purple |
| Foliage Description: Black/Purple |
| Light Exposure: Partial Sun to Full Sun |
| Height Class: Tall |
| Height: 36-60 Inches |
| Spread: 12-36 Inches |
| Spacing: 12-36 Inches |
| Habit: Upright |
| Watering: Average |
| Drought Tolerant: No |
| Container Role: Thriller |
| Use Types: Container, Houseplant, Landscape |
| Features: Foliage Interest, Deadheading Not Necessary |
| Maintenance: Easy |
| Scientific Name: Colocasia esculent 'Illustris' |
| Common Name: Illustris Colocasia |
| Other Name(s): Dasheen, Green Taro, Malanga, Taro, Elephant Ears |
| Plant Type: Annual |
| Brand: Proven Selections |
- SKU:
- COLIL
Container Sizes
Please Note: The pictures below are to give a general representation of the different container sizes. The actual size/ages of plants are estimates and will vary based on; type of plant, time of year, last pruning & many other factors.
4.5" Pot
Also Know As:
4.5" Container
Plant Age:
~ 6 months
Plant Size:
~ 3"-6"
Pot Size:
~ 4.5"H x 3.75"W
Volume:
1.42 quarts
Quart Pot
Also Know As:
Quart
Plant Age:
~ 6 months - 1 year
Plant Size:
~ 4"-8"
Pot Size:
~ 4.75"H x 4.5"W
Volume:
1.50 quarts
2.5 Quart
Also Know As:
2.5 Quart Pot
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 8"-12"
Pot Size:
~ 6.5"H x 6.5"W
Volume:
2.20-2.30 quarts
#1 Pot
Also Know As:
#1 Container
1 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 2 years old
Plant Size:
~ 10"-14"
Pot Size:
~ 7"H x 7.75"W
Volume:
2.26-3.73 quarts
#2 Pot
Also Know As:
#2 Container
2 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 1.5 - 3 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-18"
Pot Size:
~ 9.5"H x 9.5"W
Volume:
1.19-1.76 gallons
#3 Pot
Also Know As:
#3 Container
3 Gallon
Plant Age:
~ 2 - 4 years old
Plant Size:
~ 12"-30"
Pot Size:
~9.5"H x 11"W
Volume:
2.32-2.76 gallons
For more detailed information, please click here.
Plant Addict Guarantee (Included On All Plant Orders)
Plant Addicts Warranty - 1 Year (Extra Purchase Required)
Guide: How to Care for Your New Plant(s)
Planter Shipping
Standard Colors: 2-3 business days
Special Order Colors: 8 weeks - this is due to the planter being custom made with the color(s) of your choice
Please Note: On special orders there can not be any cancellations
Plant Shipping
Time of Order:
Summer Shipping
- If there is extreme heat we’ll delay shipping.
- We’ll have to review what areas the plants are traveling through along with your location
Once your plant is shipped you’ll receive an email with tracking information. Depending on the above criteria we’ll ship your plant(s) towards beginning of the following week from your order. We put together this helpful guide of what to do when you receive your plants in the mail.
It is important to know that all of our plants are clearly labeled for which growing zones the plant can survive in. The plants are thoroughly trialed and tested in every growing zone before we state the plant can grow in a zone. Again, our #1 priority is to ship the plants to you healthy and ready to thrive in your location. So we will do everything in our power to do so.
