Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China')

Overview

Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’, commonly known as Taro, stands out in the garden primarily for its massive, heart-shaped foliage reminiscent of elephant ears. This cultivar adds instant, dramatic tropical texture to any landscape design, distinguishing itself with bright pink-red leaf stems (petioles) contrasting against deep green leaves. As a tuberous perennial, it performs excellently as a temporary annual accent in colder regions or as a reliable perennial in warmer zones.

This imposing architectural plant thrives when provided with consistently moist to wet soil conditions and plenty of sunlight, though it appreciates some afternoon shade during intense summer heat waves. Its vigorous growth habit ensures that gardeners are rewarded with prodigious amounts of foliage throughout the growing season. Utilizing Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ effectively transforms ordinary garden corners into lush, exotic retreats.

Gardeners value this Taro for its scale and coloration, making it an excellent specimen plant or a striking component in water features and bog gardens. Though it produces inconspicuous white flowers, the primary ornamental appeal of Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ remains its bold, architectural leaf structure.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Araceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 6-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 4-6 ft
  • Spread: 4-6 ft
• Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
• Bloom Description: White
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium to wet
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal growth, plant Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ in mid-spring after all danger of frost has passed, particularly in cooler regions like Zone 6. This plant requires fertile, humusy, and organically rich soils that do not dry out. Place it in locations receiving full sun, ensuring afternoon shade is provided if you experience extremely hot summers.

Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ demands consistent moisture; water deeply and regularly, especially when planted in regular garden soil. If growing this Taro cultivar as a pond marginal, it tolerates standing water up to 6 inches deep. Due to its rapid growth rate, regular fertilization during the active growing season is highly recommended to support its massive leaf production. Site plants where strong winds will not damage the large leaves.

In USDA Zones 8 through 10, the tubers of this Taro can typically be left in the ground year-round, though cold protection is always helpful. For gardeners in colder climes (like Zone 6), tubers must be dug up after the first hard frost in the fall. Overwinter them indoors in a cool, dry location, such as packed in dry peat or wood shavings, ensuring temperatures never drop below 45°F.

Landscape Uses

The sheer size and tropical appearance of Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ make it an immediate focal point in landscape designs. It lends a large, dramatic look exceptionally well to mixed borders where it contrasts nicely with fine-textured grasses or brighter flowering perennials. Consider planting Taro near water features, as it excels near rain gardens or pool margins where high soil moisture is easily maintained.

This plant functions perfectly as a striking specimen, anchoring a corner of the garden through its bold vertical structure. When grouped together, several Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ plants create a dense, jungle-like screen or backdrop. It is also an excellent choice for very large containers, provided that adequate water is supplied daily during peak summer heat.

Standout Features

Noteworthy Characteristics

Colocasia esculenta, commonly called taro or elephant ear, is a tuberous, stemless, frost-tender perennial of the arum family. For gardeners, it is primarily grown as a foliage plant with huge, heart-shaped to arrowhead-shaped, conspicuously-veined, downward-pointing, peltate leaves up to 2 feet long on long, stout, succulent stems. ‘Pink China’ features green, heart-shaped leaves with bright pink-red petioles, and mature plants reach up to 6 feet tall with an equal spread. The genus name refers to the ancient Greek word for the lotus root, while the specific epithet means edible or good to eat.

Tolerances

• Wet Soil

Potential Problems

Generally, Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ does not suffer from serious insect or disease problems, making it a relatively low-stress tropical accent. Keep monitoring for common pests like slugs or snails, which may be attracted to the lush foliage, especially in damp conditions. Ensure consistent moisture, as plants stressed by drought may become more susceptible to minor issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Taro suitable for?

Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ is reportedly hardy in USDA Zones 6 through 10, though winter mulching is advised at the colder end of this range.

How large does Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ grow?

Mature plants typically reach a height between 4 and 6 feet, spreading equally wide, 4 to 6 feet across.

What sun exposure does Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ need?

This plant thrives best in full sun to part shade; remember that afternoon shade is highly beneficial during very hot summer periods.

When does Taro bloom?

The bloom time for this cultivar is listed as “Flowers not showy,” with the inconspicuous flowers being a typical white aroid type hidden among the foliage.

Conclusion

Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ is an indispensable choice for gardeners seeking dramatic scale and color contrast, thanks to its huge green leaves mounted on vibrant pink stems. Enjoying high water needs, this Taro variety thrives near ponds or in consistently moist borders. Before planting, verify that your USDA zone aligns with its requirements or prepare for necessary winter tuber storage.

Companion Planting

Select companions that share the love for rich, moist soil to create cohesive planting schemes around your Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’. Fine-textured grasses contrast beautifully with the broad leaves of Taro, providing textural balance in water margins. Consider pairing it with moisture-loving annuals like Impatiens, or moisture-tolerant perennials such as Astilbe or Rodgersia, which can handle the bright, indirect light favored by the Elephant Ear in summer afternoons.

Design Ideas for Tropical Impact

To maximize the tropical ambiance provided by Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’, group several plants together to create mass planting effect. Use them as bold vertical accents at the rear of a border or strategically place a single specimen container near a patio seating area to create a focal point. Because of their height and spread (up to 6 feet), ensure these plants are not positioned where they will completely overwhelm smaller neighbors, allowing light to filter through their massive leaves.