Popular, large-foliage plant with beautiful heart-shaped leaves which have dramatic green venation which highlights the black background.
Known commonly as Elephant Ears because of their large and striking leaves, the Colocasia is a popular perennial in warmer regions, and a favourite annual in colder regions. The dramatic foliage of Colocasia 'Illustris' with the green vein and black background makes for an elegant foliage feature for any garden.
Colocasia 'Illustris' makes a wonderful statement when fully grown in a warm, sunny to part shade positions in the garden, in a large feature pot either solo or in a combination planting, or even indoors in a bright position. Colocasia do very well in wet conditions and can be used as a water plant in boggy ground.
Plant Colocasia 'Illustris' into moist fertile soil. A sunny to partly shaded aspect is preferred. Mulch, water in well and keep the moisture levels up. Once established, a Colocasia can tolerate dry periods, but too much stress will badly affect its appearance.
In warm regions, cut the foliage down to ground level in late Autumn to benefit knew foliage in Spring. Colocasia form tubers which can be dug up and stored over Winter in cold climates. Before the first frosts, cut back the dying stems and dig up the tubers. Clean off any soil, wrap the dry tubers in newspapers or pack them in peat moss. Label each tuber or group of tubers so you know what they are come springtime. Store tubers in a dark, cool (35 to 45 F) place. Do not allow tubers to freeze.
Wear gloves & wash hands
