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.
Out of season
Colocasia
'Illustris'
elephant ears
Tall, grand and incredibly impressive, you simply won’t believe your eyes when you come face-to-face with the gargantuan leaves of Colocasia 'Illustris'. Growing up to 1.5m high in one season, this plant is a real eyeful, with huge, heart-shaped leaves in majestic shades of aurora green and deep mauve-black. If the size of the leaves weren’t enough to get your attention, the veins on them make a flashy striped pattern which just adds that extra spark to the show.
Happy in a partially shaded and sheltered spot, this trendy tropical plant could be the perfect thing to green up a courtyard or small urban garden. Grow Colocasia 'Illustris' in large pots or out in the soil as soon as risk of frost has passed and enjoy its lush beauty all through the summer. Combine it with brightly-coloured flowers like dahlias for a contrasting colour pop.
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 var antiquorum 'Illustris'
- Flower colour
- Green, black
- 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
Perfect for pots
For indoor growing
Thrives in full sun
Perennial
Packed in paper
Needs winter protection
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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.
Better by nature
From cultivation to packaging and delivery, we are always looking for ways to lessen our environmental impact.
Growing together
Our care team of horticultural experts is on hand to support you choose and garden with confidence.
World of wonders
A collection of world-renowned flower bulbs and perennials of exceptional beauty and character.
Chosen to thrive
Every bulb and plant is sourced, selected and prepared with an expert eye for their quality and garden performance.
