The heart-shaped leaves of ‘Illustris’ are huge, and their dark highlights are stunning. This elephant’s ear is a lover of moist shade, but it does best with a little dappled sunlight. It will tolerate boggy conditions. —Julia Jones, Fine Gardening #120
Noteworthy CharacteristicsLarge purple-and-green leaves.
CareProvide light shade to full shade and consistently moist or boggy soil.
PropagationDivide in winter or early spring.
ProblemsAphids, whiteflies, spider mites, soft rot, bacterial blight, corm and root rot, dasheen mosaic virus.
Fine Gardening Recommended Products
RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer with Brass Swivel
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Morvat Heavy Duty Brass Y-Valve
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
Gilmour 811673-1001 Sprinkler
Fine Gardening receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.
- Genus : Colocasia
- Zones : 10, 11, 8, 9
- Plant Height : 3 to 6 feet
- Plant Width : 3 to 6 feet
- Plant Type : Bulbs
- Uses : Containers
- Maintenance : Low
- Moisture : Medium to Wet
- Light : Partial Shade to Full Shade
- Foliage Color : Purple/Burgundy
- Characteristics : Showy Foliage
- Plant Seasonal Interest : Summer Interest
Plant Characteristics are only available to Fine Gardening members
Sign up for a free trial and get instant access to our complete plant guide as well as our entire collection of articles and videos.