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
'Pharaoh's Mask Red'
elephant ears
With its extraordinary sculpted foliage, Colocasia 'Pharaoh's Mask Red' looks almost too remarkable to be real. Enormous, heart-shaped leaves emerge in a rich, glossy green, dramatically traced with raised crimson-red veins that spread across the surface like an intricate network of sculpted lines. As the foliage matures, the veins become increasingly pronounced, while the leaf edges curl backwards to create a fascinating three-dimensional effect. The contrast between the smooth, emerald-green surface and deep red markings is particularly striking, especially when sunlight catches the glossy leaves. Unlike its dark-veined relative, the original Pharaoh's Mask, Colocasia 'Pharaoh's Mask Red' brings a warmer, more colourful interpretation of this extraordinary foliage. It's a wonderful choice for creating a bold, architectural statement among tropical plants and contrasting greenery.
Developed by American plant breeder Brian Williams, Colocasia 'Pharaoh's Mask Red' combines dramatic looks with vigorous, clump-forming growth. In favourable conditions, it can reach around 120–150cm tall, producing an impressive display of oversized leaves that move gently in the summer breeze. Choose a warm, sheltered position in sun or partial shade, with fertile, moisture-retentive soil and generous watering throughout the growing season. Brighter light can encourage richer red veining, adding even more character to the foliage. Colocasia 'Pharaoh's Mask Red' looks magnificent in a spacious patio container, where its remarkable leaves can be admired from every angle. Protect it from frost during winter in the UK, ideally by moving container-grown plants somewhere sheltered and frost-free. With its sculptural form and unforgettable colouring, Colocasia 'Pharaoh's Mask Red' brings a wonderfully exotic atmosphere to the summer garden.
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 'FLOCOLEGY' (Pharaoh's Mask Red)
- Bulb size
- 14/16
- Established height
- 70cm-1m
- Established spread
- 70cm-1m
- Growing skill
- Requires specific conditions
- Habit
- Upright
- Hardiness
- Tender/Tropical
- Leaf colour
- Glossy green, red 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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