![](https://images.finegardening.com/app/uploads/2018/01/23143453/colocasia_esculenta_illustris_ds_lg-main-500x500.jpg)
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
Rain Bird PATIOKIT Drip Irrigation Patio Watering Kit
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- Provides drip irrigation for up to 6 planters
- Easy to assemble: just attach to faucet, cut tubing and connect watering devices
- Attaches easily to your outdoor faucet or hose
Dramm Revolution Adjustable 9-Pattern Metal Hose Nozzle
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- Ergonomic insulated grip
- Maximum pressure of 90 PSI
- Fully adjustable spray pattern
- No trigger lock
D&X Garden Sprinkler
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- 12 flexible nozzles that you can set in any direction, simply bend hoses to customize new watering patterns - 360 degree coverage of 3000 sq. ft area
- 3.5 x 4 x 6 inches
- 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
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