![](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
RAINPOINT Sprinkler Timer with Brass Swivel
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- Built-in metal filter gaskets can prevent sediment and other larger particles
- Through the Sprinkler Timer program, you can set the start time, watering duration, and watering frequency
XLUX Soil Moisture Meter
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- Simply insert the moisture meter into soil and you'll get the test result instantly
- Single probe, less hurts to the roots, doesn't dig up too much soil after test
- 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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