Colocasia antiquorum ~Illustris~

HEIGHT:

5-6 Feet

ZONE:         pH: 5.8 - 6.2

7b-10

PURPOSE:

· Aesthetics/Decor
· Oxygenator

APPLICATIONS:

· Water Gardens
· Containers
· Water's Edge / Bog Plant
· Patio & Garden
· Focal Point
· Pond
· Mixed Combos

FEATURES:

· Heat Tolerant
· Easy to Grow
· Cold Tolerant
· Great Foliage
· Fast Growing

EXPOSURE:

· Full Sun
· Partial Sun
· Partial Shade

SOIL MOISTURE:

· Wet Soil/Wetlands
· Average Water

HABIT:

· Upright

FOLIAGE COLOR:

· Purple
· Almost Black
· Multi-Color

A classic beauty! 'Illustris' is one of the elephant ears that helped pave the way for the tropical craze that is sweeping nation. It is a strong fast growing variety that does great in container, landscapes, ponds & patios!

Imperial Taro (Colocasia antiquorum) Imperial Taro is an elegant plant with heart shaped, black and green variegated leaves. Very exotic, this Taro is a perfect accent plant for the edge of the pond or beautiful as a centerpiece in a container garden. Grows 24" to 30" tall and can easily be wintered over as a houseplant in northern climates. Hardiness Zone: 8-11 Planting Container: 2 gallon solid planting container or a Large Planting Bag. Light Requirements: full sun to part shade Height: 2' to 3' - Spread: 12" to 24" Wide Water Depth: Moist soil or water up to 1" deep (Maximum water depth is for mature bog plants) Shipping Size: 2" mesh pot - height varies but averages 8". Planted/rooted plants … not cuttings Plant Description Stunning, large, deep black leaves highlighted by green veins will add dramatic color and tropical flair to any landscape. Ideal for the edge of a pond or water garden. An excellent container plant for the patio or deck. Spreads freely in rich, wet soils; more slowly in dry, heavy soils. An herbaceous perennial.  Light Needs: Filtered to partial sun  Watering Needs: Water regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil - weekly or more.  Average Landscape Size: Reaches 3 to 5 ft. tall, spreading 3 to 4 ft. wide.  Key Feature: Dramatic Foliage Color  Blooms: Rarely blooms; prized for foliage.  Landscape Uses: Border, Coastal Exposure, Container, Houseplant, Specimen, Water Garden Care Information Thrives and spreads freely in evenly moist, organically rich, well-drained soil. Prefers warm, humid environments. Best with part shade in very hot regions. Apply a controlled release fertilizer to the potting mix or garden soil. In cold winter zones, enjoy outdoors but move inside well before threat of frost. Remove old, faded foliage as needed. Light Needs: Filtered to partial sun Watering Needs: Water regularly to maintain wet or evenly moist soil - weekly or more.