Colocasia esculenta Illustris

Prominent light green veining on large, heart-shaped leaves captures the attention of garden visitors. Growing 5-6 ft. tall with a pale shade of purple-black leaves, Colocasia esculenta Illustris gives gardens a bold, tropical look. Primarily grown for their foliage, Elephant Ears are a dramatic addition to the garden or patio containers. They perform best in moist, partially shaded areas. Because Elephant Ears are tender plants sensitive to the cold, they should be lifted in the fall in zones 3-8, and stored in a cool, dry, frost-free location. Deer tend to avoid.

Hardiness Zones 3-10. Lift in Fall in zones 3-8
Mature Height 5 - 6 feet
Bloom Time Summer to first frost (Jun-first frost)
Light Requirements Half Sun / Half Shade, Full Shade
Ship As7-9" Bulb
Deer Resistant
Container Friendly

We ship this item in Spring

Botanical Name: Colocasia esculenta 'Illustris'

Availability: Backordered

SKU: #88724

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Product Details

Restricted States US:
AE AK GU HI PR VI
Botanical Name:
Colocasia esculenta 'Illustris'
Ship As:
Bulb
Size:
7-9"
Lift In Fall:
3-8
Suggested Uses:
Borders, Container Gardening, Water Garden, Shade Garden, Deer Resistant

Flower Color:
White
Flower Form:
Insignificant
Foliage Type:
Large, ovate to heart shaped leaves with prominent veins.
Mature Spread:
36 - 60 inches
Spacing:
36 - 60 inches

Growing Tips

Planting Instructions:
2-4" deep and 36-60" apart
Soil Moisture:
Deep, moisture-retentive soils. They are heavy feeders.
Will Tolerate:
Acidic Soil, Clay Soil, Loamy Soil, Wet Soil, Sandy Soil
Pruning Instructions:
Not needed

Winter Care:
Lift in fall if you live in zones 3-8 for winter storage. Replant the following spring after frosts are over.
Planting Depth:
2 - 4" deep
Watering Requirements:
High water needs. Keep well watered during its growing period (spring, summer, early fall)
Fertilization Requirements:
Once per year
Special Care:
Not needed

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Shipping Information

K. van Bourgondien times its shipments from Holland so that bulbs and bareroots arrive at the proper planting time (depending on climatic conditions) for each area of North America.

We take advanced orders, and as the crops are harvested, our staff of K. van Bourgondien experts makes an on-the-spot selection of the finest bulbs available to fill those reservations.

We will pack and ship your order based on the following schedules. The type of product you order or the weather may affect the anticipated shipping schedule. Please note that we cannot ship outside of the 48 contiguous states. What zone am I in?

Spring 2024 Shipping Schedule

Shipping Notes:

In all cases, we choose the fastest, most efficient way to send your orders via USPS or FedEx.

Orders for gift certificates will be shipped immediately.

Due to hot weather conditions, we are unable to ship any plant items from late June through August. General merchandise will be shipped with your plant order.

Upon placing your order, you will receive an email confirmation with the details of your order and a shipping estimate. You will also receive an email notification when your order actually ships with an updated arrival estimate. If you have ordered multiple items, you may receive them in more than one shipment. We will send you a separate email confirming each shipment. Large orders may be shipped in more than one package. Your order confirmation will have an estimated shipping time.

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Colocasia esculenta Illustris