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Illustris Elephant's Ear

Collocasia esculenta 'Illustris'

Regular price $7035
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Plant Size

Planting & Care

Where to Plant

  • Sunlight: For the deepest purple-black leaf color, provide 6 to 8 hours of direct sun. In hotter climates, afternoon shade is beneficial to prevent leaf scorch, though the foliage may lean more towards a dark green in lower light.
  • Soil: These plants love rich, mucky soil that mimics a tropical swamp. If you have heavy clay, mix in plenty of compost to hold moisture; if your soil is sandy, add peat moss to prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Watering Requirements

During the first growing season, keep the soil consistently moist like a wrung out sponge to help the root system expand. Once mature, Illustris can handle "wet feet" and even shallow standing water, but inconsistent watering will cause the large leaves to droop or develop crispy brown edges.

Pruning Tips

Since this plant grows from a central tuber, you only need to prune away old, tattered leaves at the base of the stem as they age. This redirects energy to the center for new growth and keeps the plant looking tidy. If you live in a cold climate, cut all foliage back to the ground after the first frost before digging up the tubers for winter storage.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two to four weeks during the heat of summer to support the massive leaf production. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers late in the fall, as this encourages soft new growth that is easily damaged by the coming cold.

Delivery and Shipping

Preorder Shipping Schedule

We ship your plants when it's safe to transport them to your zone. Dates are estimated and subject to weather delays.

Zone 3-4 Week of March 30th
Zone 5 Week of March 16th
Zone 6 Week of March 2nd
Zone 7 Week of February 23rd
Zone 8-12 Week of February 15th


Shipping Rates

Ships in 3-4 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50 $9.99
$50 - $99.99 $14.99
$100 - $149.99 $16.99
$150 - $198.99 $24.99
$199+ FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Glamorous Accent Illustris Elephant's Ear

  • Gigantic, Heart-Shaped Leaves Add Tropical Look
  • Dark Purple-Black Foliage Decorated With Vivid Green Veins
  • Dramatic Foliage Plant
  • Stunning Downturned Leaves Three Feet Long
  • Incredible Backdrop
  • Allow to Play the Starring Role in a Focal Point Display
  • Soften the Edges of Ponds, or In Rain Gardens
  • Perfect Annual in Seasonal Containers in Zones 3 - 7
  • Can Lift and Bring Corms Indoors to Overwinter
  • Thrives in Moist, Boggy Soils
  • Grow in Full Sun or Partial Shade

We're excited to offer one of the world's most incredible accent plants. If you want a plant that effortlessly heightens the impact of your plantings and containers, place this on your "must have" list.

Also known as the Imperial Taro, Illustris Elephant's Ear (Colocasia esculenta 'Illustris') is a showy foliage plant with a lot of dynamic appeal. Huge leaves are nearly black, and pinstriped with neon green veins.

Each leaf can grow up to three feet long! They feature a slight romantic droop that adds to their appeal.

Feature them as a spectacular focal point in moist soils. They'll grow to create a significant impression as a garden feature.

They do best in soils that stay damp, and can even tolerate a few inches of standing water. Can you imagine how delightful Illustris Elephant Ear would look at the edge of a pond or water feature?

Hardy in the country's warmest Zones, all other avid gardeners can grow these tuberous annuals in seasonal containers. Keep them damp for best results!

Lush and lavish, but wildly easy-care, Illustris helps your landscape put its best foot forward. These plants deliver a tropical flair for residential or commercial properties.

Colocasia is one of many names for the Taro plant. Only a few varieties feature edible tuberous roots. Illustris Elephant's Ear are strictly ornamental, and should not be eaten.

Enjoy your summertime garden! Gain a marvelous display with these astounding plants from the plant experts at Nature Hills.

Please act quickly to place your order. We'll sell out of the sumptuous Illustris Elephant's Ear in no time.

How to Use Illustris Elephant's Ear in the Landscape/h3>

This opulent plant is more versatile than you might think. Grow it in the ground or in containers.

Areas with warm winters can leave them in place all year-round. Each plant will grow to the mature spread listed on the Plant Highlights.

Try several for a unique screen, planting the corms two to three feet apart. Add to a truly fabulous collection of Colocasia, highlighting the showy downturned drama of Illustris front and center.

In cold winter zones, you can also plant them in the ground as a single season annual. By the time the nights grow cooler, you'll have a terrific plant worthy of your neighbors' jealousy.

If you want to overwinter your plant, you can trim back the foliage, then lift the large corm out of the ground. Remove the roots and allow it to dry indoors. Store them in a cool, dark area and replant once all threat of frost has passed.

You can also appreciate their electrifying charm in outdoor containers across the country. Why not spice up your balcony for divaliscious apartment living?

In frosty winters, bring the pot indoors, and trim back for use as a temporary houseplant. Don't overwater your Illustris Elephant's Ear indoors.

Add them to the edge of ponds, or use on your patio or pool deck. Kids absolutely adore the huge leaves, so plant one by their play structure.

#ProPlantTips for Care

Illustris can be grown in either full sun or partial shade. They require consistent water, and frequent fertilization.

Potted Illustris should be planted at the same level it was growing in the pot. Dig down to eight inches and turn the soil over to loosen it.

Use a rich soil during planting, amending with handfuls of compost. Top dress with additional compost and mulch to a depth of three inches.

Use a slow-release organic fertilizer formula according to the label directions. These plants are heavy feeders.

Trim the spent leaves back as needed to tidy up your presentation. We recommend that you wear gloves, as you may be sensitive to the oxalates in the sap.

Enjoy your showy Illustris Elephant's Ear. You'll love all the compliments...order today!

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