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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

Quantity
1 tuber £12.90 £12.90 each 3 tubers £35.70 £11.90 each -8% 9 tubers £89.10 £9.90 each -23%
Notify when back in stock
Carefully hand-packed in paper bags
We fund carbon removal with every order

Plant profile

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
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

Bring colour to patios, doorsteps and favourite corners.

For indoor growing

Bring a touch of natural beauty to windowsills and favourite rooms.

Great for shade

Bring those shady corners of your garden to life.

Thrives in full sun

Choose a sunny spot and watch it flourish.

Perennial

Plant once and enjoy its return, year after year.

Packed in paper

We nurture a future that honours the earth.

Needs winter protection

Loves the warmth and needs protection when frost arrives.

In good company

Varieties chosen to complement Colocasia 'Illustris'

Explore all

In good company

Varieties chosen to complement Colocasia 'Illustris'

Explore all
-20%
Allium azureum

Allium azureum

Regular price £3.12
Sale price £3.90
Allium azureum

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.