Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® 'White Lava' Elephant Ear Bulb

Plant Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® 'White Lava' Elephant Ear in spring, and in summer, it produces bold, architectural foliage. A tuberous, frost-tender perennial, 'White Lava' is grown for its huge, drooping, heart-shaped leaves. Held on dark purple stalks and sporting a large purple eye, the glossy, variegated leaves are dark green with a wide creamy-white center band that radiates out into side veins as the season progresses.

A Colocasia esculenta, commonly called taro, kalo, and elephant ear, Royal Hawaiian 'White Lava' is a medium grower with excellent vigor. It forms an upright, tight, and tidy clump, which fits nicely in small spaces. The large tropical leaves create a striking focal point or a beautiful backdrop for colorful flowers in beds and borders. The plant grows well in a large container, indoors or outdoors, and is a perfect choice for mass landscape plantings.

Virtually maintenance free, elephant ears grow best in warm temperatures and high humidity. 'White Lava' prefer a sunny, partially sunny, to semi-shady location with fertile, humusy, organically rich, moderate to moist, well-draining soil. They benefit from afternoon shade, especially in hot summer climates, and from regular fertilization during the growing season. Royal Hawaiian 'White Lava' has excellent disease resistance as well as improved cold tolerance and hardiness.

Plant elephant ears outdoors only after soil and night temperatures have warmed up above 60°F. Plant 'White Lava' elephant ear bulb 2 to 3 inches deep. If planting more than 1, space the bulbs 3 to 4 feet apart.