Colocasia 'Hawaiian Punch' Elephant Ear Bulb

A 2012 Royal Hawaiian Elephant series release, Colocasia 'Hawaiian Punch' Elephant Ear is a compact tropical plant, growing to a mature size of about 36 inches tall and wide. Grown for its magnificent architectural foliage, 'Hawaiian Punch' has elongated arrowhead-shaped leaves that, although large, are smaller than most elephant ears—perfect for small-garden spaces. Borne on stout, succulent, bright red stems, the semi-glossy mid-green leaves cup slightly and boast prominent red veins and a red undulating leaf margin. Yellowish white spathes may be produced but are usually hidden by the leaves and are not considered an ornamental feature.

A Colocasia esculenta cultivar, commonly called elephant ear or taro, 'Hawaiian Punch' is a tuberous, frost-tender perennial (Zones 10-11) with an upright, compact, and clumping habit, which makes it suitable for container gardens. Elephant ear is a perfect pond marginal or rain garden plant. And although an eye-catching specimen when planted alone, the tropical leaves create a beautiful backdrop for flowering favorites when planted in masses or groups.

Once established, 'Hawaiian Punch' elephant ear requires little attention, but it should never be allowed to dry out. It grows best in a sunny to partially shady spot with fertile, organically rich, loamy, medium to wet soils. In hot summer climates, some afternoon shade may be beneficial. 'Hawaiian Punch' elephant ear is deer resistant.

Plant 'Hawaiian Punch' elephant ear's 7- to 9-inch bulb (rhizome) 3 to 4 feet apart and 2 to 3 inches deep in mid-spring after soil and air temperatures have warmed to consistently 60°F or above. In colder regions, dig bulbs up in fall and overwinter in a dry location with cool temperatures that do not drop below 45°F.