Plant Colocasia bulbs in individual pots during spring. Keep them in a bright place at a consistent temperature of 17–25°C while they wake from dormancy.
'Hawaiian Punch'
red-stemmed elephant ears
If you like to pack your garden full or exotic-looking, leafy numbers, Colocasia 'Hawaiian Punch' has the extraordinary looks and punchy attitude to fit in perfectly. Chunky, strong and glossy red stems support the dramatic, lush green heart-shaped leaves, holding them upright in a neat, compact clump. Thriving in the dappled shade of shrubs, palms or small trees, when the sun catches the leaves it illuminates the contrasting red vein detail from the underside.
This fascinating plant is ideal for any partially shaded, sheltered spot and in all styles of garden. Keep it leafy and green or mix it with bright flowers like dahlias, cannas or calla lilies to make a palette that’s chock-a-block with colour. What’s especially handy about Colocasia 'Hawaiian Punch' is that it is more upright and compact than many others, making it great for slotting in to a narrower space or large patio pot.
Our Colocasia bulbs are grown and cultivated in Costa Rica.
Quantity
Plant profile
Position each bulb with the papery rings facing upwards. Leave the top level with, or just visible above, the compost surface.
Water sparingly until shoots emerge, as dormant bulbs may rot in overly wet compost. Once growing strongly, keep the compost reliably moist.
After the risk of frost has passed and the weather is consistently warm, move plants outdoors. Choose a sunny or lightly shaded position sheltered from strong winds.
Plant into rich, moisture-retentive soil, spacing plants 25–35cm apart. For containers, choose a sturdy pot around 30–40cm wide and fill it with peat-free multipurpose compost.
Water generously throughout summer, particularly during warm, dry spells. In autumn, move pots under cover or lift the bulbs and store them somewhere cool, dry and frost-free.
- Botanical name
- Colocasia esculenta 'Hawaiian Punch'
- Flower colour
- Green, orange
- Bulb size
- 14/+
- Established height
- 1.2-1.5m
- Established spread
- 30-50cm
- Growing skill
- Requires specific conditions
- Habit
-
Upright
Clump-forming - Hardiness
- Tender/Tropical
- Leaf colour
- Green, black
- Mouse resistant
- No
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- No
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
- Any
- Soil moisture
-
Damp
Poorly drained - Soil type
-
Loam
Sandy
Multipurpose compost
Loam-based compost - Suitable for
-
Indoors
Pots
Large containers
Borders
Exotic gardens
Greenhouse - Sunlight
-
Full sun
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
-
Harmful if eaten
Skin/eyes irritant - Years to establish
- 1-2 years
Expert care from
choice to delivery
Our horticulturalists prepare every bulb and plant with the utmost care. From selection to packing, each one receives expert attention before beginning its journey to your garden.