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
New
Colocasia
'Hawaiian Luau'
elephant ears
If a plant could dress for a midnight garden party, Colocasia 'Hawaiian Luau' would arrive in charcoal velvet. Its magnificent, arrow-shaped leaves unfold in smoky blue-grey to almost black, traced with fine, pale green veins that seem to glow against the dark surface. The foliage has a wonderfully soft, matt finish, with gently folded leaves that create a fascinating play of light and shadow. Burgundy-toned stems add another layer of colour, while an abundance of new shoots gradually builds a lush, architectural clump. Rather than relying on flowers, Colocasia esculenta 'Hawaiian Luau' lets its extraordinary foliage do all the talking. Set it among lime-green hostas, vibrant cannas or leafy ferns, and the contrast is simply irresistible.
Bred in Hawaii, Colocasia 'Hawaiian Luau' has a surprisingly compact, well-branched habit for such a bold tropical plant, typically reaching around 75–90cm in favourable conditions. It looks magnificent in a generous patio container or as the dark-leaved centrepiece of a sheltered summer border. Give Colocasia esculenta 'Hawaiian Luau' warmth, rich soil and plenty of moisture, choosing a position in sun or partial shade. Keep the soil consistently moist during active growth, and protect this tender perennial from frost over winter. For gardeners who appreciate unusual foliage and striking colour combinations, Colocasia esculenta 'Hawaiian Luau' is a particularly exciting discovery. Its dramatic leaves bring an exotic atmosphere to the garden, creating the sort of tropical display that usually requires a passport.
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 Luau'
- Bulb size
- 14/16
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 70cm-1m
- Growing skill
- Requires specific conditions
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Tender/Tropical
- Leaf colour
- Near-black, pale green veins
- Mouse resistant
- Yes
- Pollinator friendly
- No
- Position
- Sheltered
- Rabbit resistant
- Yes
- Scented
- No
- Soil acidity
-
Alkaline
Any - Soil moisture
-
Free draining
Damp - Soil type
-
Loam
Multipurpose compost - Suitable for
-
Indoors
Pots
Exotic gardens
Borders
Large containers - Sunlight
-
Partial shade
Dappled shade - Toxicity
- Harmful if eaten
- 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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