Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito')
Colocasia esculenta 'Mojito' (Taro) offers dramatic tropical foliage with unique, splashy variegation. Hardy in Zones 8-10.
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The stunning Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ is prized by tropical garden enthusiasts for its dramatic, highly variegated foliage. This cultivar of Taro stands out thanks to its large, ovate leaves splashed with irregular black to dark purple markings, providing intense contrast against pale green petioles streaked with dark purple. Grown primarily for its ornamental value—though related to the edible taro—this plant quickly creates a large, lush focal point in summer landscapes.
This frost-tender perennial typically reaches heights between 4 and 5 feet, spreading equally wide, demanding space to unfurl its massive, impressive leaves. Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ thrives where moisture is abundant, making it an excellent choice for wet areas or containers that require consistent watering throughout the growing season. Its rapid, vigorous growth ensures a bold, architectural statement from late spring until the first hard frost.
Gardeners seeking dramatic texture and dynamic color should highly consider incorporating Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ into their designs. It reliably delivers a massive tropical aesthetic, functioning beautifully as a specimen plant or integrated into large border plantings where its unique leaf pattern can be admired up close. Proper siting in appropriate sun and consistent wet soil conditions is key to unlocking the full architectural potential of this Taro variety.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araceae
- Plant Type: Bulb
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 4-5 ft
- Spread: 4-5 ft
- Bloom Time: Rarely flowers
- Bloom Description: Yellowish white
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium to wet
- Maintenance Level: Medium
How to Grow
Optimal growth for Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ requires fertile, humusy, and organically rich soils that remain consistently moist. Plant tubers in mid-spring, after the danger of frost has definitively passed (after April 20th in regions like St. Louis). Ensure the planting location receives full sun, though appreciation for afternoon shade is noted in regions experiencing intensely hot summers; dappled light helps prevent leaf scorch.
Watering is critical; do not allow the soil dedicated to your Taro to dry out, especially during summer heatwaves. For garden settings, provide regular moisture. Uniquely, this elephant ear can tolerate very wet conditions and functions well as a pond marginal, thriving in standing water up to 6 inches deep. Because plants produce prodigious amounts of growth, supply regular fertilization throughout the active growing season to support leaf production.
Site your Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ away from areas prone to strong winds, which can easily tear the large, delicate leaves. In USDA Zones 8 through 10, tubers can generally be left in the ground year-round to overwinter naturally. For cooler areas, tubers must be dug up following the first fall frost. Store the tubers in a cool, dry location (ideally above 45°F) nestled in dry peat or wood shavings, similar to overwintering cannas.
Landscape Uses
The sheer scale and dramatic flair of the leaves on Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ make it an outstanding choice for adding instant tropical drama to any landscape composition. It excels when used as a bold specimen plant, drawing immediate attention to focal points within the garden design. Tapered plantings in mixed borders provide strong vertical structure and rich texture that contrasts beautifully with finer-leaved perennials.
Given its high water needs, this Taro variety is inherently suited for functional landscape applications such as rain gardens where water naturally collects or areas near water features. It performs exceptionally well when planted in large containers, allowing flexibility in placement and easier management of its moisture requirements. For a truly immersive tropical feel, group several plants together or pair them with broad-leafed, deep-green companions that let the unique variegation of the ‘Mojito’ shine.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Insignificant
Noteworthy Characteristics
Colocasia esculenta, commonly called taro or elephant ear, is a tuberous, stemless, frost-tender perennial of the arum family (see also calla lily and jack-in-the-pulpit) which typically grows 3-6’ tall and as wide. For gardeners, it is primarily grown as a foliage plant with huge, heart-shaped to arrowhead-shaped, conspicuously-veined, downward-pointing, peltate leaves (to 2’ long) on long, stout, succulent stems. The specific cultivar ‘Mojito’ is a naturally-occurring branch mutation discovered in 2007, featuring large, ovate, variegated leaves with black to very dark purple irregular markings and light green petioles that possess dark purple longitudinal streaks that fade to pink.
Tolerances
- Wet Soil
Potential Problems
This plant generally experiences no serious insect or disease problems when grown in its preferred conditions. Routine monitoring is standard practice for any garden foliage, but severe infestations are uncommon. Managers should focus primarily on cultural issues, ensuring consistent moisture and adequate fertility to maintain vigorous growth, as stressed plants are more susceptible to opportunistic pests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is Taro suitable for?
Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ is hardy in USDA Zones 8 through 10, thriving when protected from freezing temperatures.
How large does Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ grow?
This dramatic foliage plant typically achieves a height and spread between 4 and 5 feet at maturity.
What sun exposure does Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ need?
It performs well in full sun but appreciates afternoon shade, especially in very hot climates, to protect its large leaves from scorching.
When does Taro bloom?
This plant rarely flowers; when blooms do occur, they are yellowish white and usually remain hidden beneath the dense foliage.
Conclusion
The high-impact foliage and striking variegation make Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ an indispensable feature plant for creating dramatic, large-scale tropical effects. This specific Taro cultivar offers reliable performance provided its essential needs for heat and consistent moisture are met. Before planting, confirm your USDA hardiness zone compatibility, and plan for diligent watering to fully enjoy the splendor of this unique elephant ear.
Companion Planting
Selecting companions that appreciate similar moist, rich soils enhances the success of your Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’ display. Pair it with other moisture-loving plants such as cannas, hardy bananas (Musa species), or large-leafed hostas if placed in partial shade. In a rain garden setting, ferns or moisture-tolerant irises create a lush understory that complements the bold, upright structure of the Taro.
Design Ideas for Tropical Impact
To maximize the visual impact of Colocasia esculenta ‘Mojito’, utilize its strong upright form near entryways or patios where it can serve as a living sculpture. Because the leaves are so busy and colorful, surrounding it with solid green textures, like large hostas or dark green mondo grass, allows the ‘Mojito’ variegation to pop forward dramatically. Consider growing it in a large dark container to further intensify the tropical, high-contrast look.
