Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Blue Hawaii')

Overview

Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’, commonly known as Taro or Elephant Ear, delivers dramatic, large-scale tropical impact to the garden. This selection is highly prized for its substantial, deep green, heart-shaped foliage contrasted beautifully by striking purple petioles and veins. As a vigorous grower, Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ thrives in moist to wet conditions, making it an excellent focal point in rain gardens or near water features. Gardeners appreciate this plant for its ability to transform an average space into an exotic landscape, thriving reliably in USDA Zones 8 through 10.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Araceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2-3 ft
  • Spread: 1-2 ft
• Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
• Bloom Description: Yellow spathe and white spadix
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium to wet
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

The best time to establish Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ is in mid-spring after all danger of frost has passed. This Taro variety demands fertile, humusy, organically rich soils that retain moisture consistently. Ensure these plants receive full sun or part shade; however, afternoon shade is beneficial in climates facing intense summer heat.

When growing in garden beds, maintain regular moisture, ensuring the soil never dries out, especially during dry spells. These plants are prodigious feeders; regular fertilization during the growing season supports their massive leaf production. Site locations should be protected from strong winds, which can easily shred the magnificent leaves.

Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ can also function as a water plant, thriving as pond marginals with up to 6 inches of standing water covering the tuber base. Where temperatures permit (Zones 8-10), tubers can remain planted year-round. In cooler regions, tubers must be dug up after the first frost, cured, and stored cool (above 45°F) over winter.

Landscape Uses

The large, architectural presence of Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ makes it excellent for lending an immediate large tropical look to any landscape design. They are superb as bold specimen plants, providing height and texture contrast against finer-leaved perennials. Plant them strategically in groups to create a dense, dramatic screen or focal point.

Because of their high water needs, Taro fits perfectly into water margins or designated rain gardens where permanent moisture is guaranteed. They also perform exceptionally well when grown in large containers, which allows gardeners to easily move the tropical display onto patios or into protected areas before frost threatens. Pair the deep green and purple tones of Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ with bright annuals or fine-textured grasses for maximum visual appeal.

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 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. ‘Blue Hawaii’ is a vigorous elephant ear selection that features 1-2’ long, medium green, leaves with contrasting purple petioles (leaf stems) and veins.

Tolerances

• Wet Soil

Potential Problems

Generally, Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ is regarded as having no serious insect or disease problems when cultural requirements, particularly moisture retention, are met. Consistent monitoring for common pests like slugs or snails, which enjoy succulent foliage, is prudent during wet periods. Ensure good air circulation, especially when planting densely or near structural lines, to prevent potential fungal issues related to overly damp conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Taro suitable for?

This plant is rated for USDA Zones 8 through 10, meaning protection or overwintering of the tuber is required outside this range.

How large does Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ grow?

Mature plants typically reach a height between 2 and 3 feet tall, with a spread ranging from 1 to 2 feet wide.

What sun exposure does Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ need?

This selection performs best in full sun to partial shade, appreciating some relief from intense afternoon sun in very hot climates.

When does Taro bloom?

The flowers of this variety are considered not showy, typically producing an infrequently seen yellow spathe surrounding a white spadix hidden by the foliage.

Conclusion

The dramatic scale and striking purple accents of Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ provide unparalleled tropical flair to the temperate garden. Its ability to thrive in wet areas makes it a functional and stunning addition to rain gardens and pond margins. Before planting, confirm your local USDA Zone aligns with zones 8-10 or plan for winter tuber protection to ensure the return of this beautiful Taro next season.

Design Ideas

Elephant ears like Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’ are crucial for creating contrast in mixed plantings. Use them as “thrillers” in containers paired with cascading “spillers” like creeping Jenny or trailing sweet potato vine. In borders, place them toward the back as structural anchors due to their height, ensuring they are positioned where their large leaf texture plays off finer, mounding companions like ferns or hostas.

The dark purple coloration present in the stems and veins of ‘Blue Hawaii’ creates depth. This feature allows it to anchor hotter color schemes (reds, oranges) or serve as a dramatic backdrop for silvery or chartreuse plants. Their preference for wet feet means they should be grouped near downspouts or other areas of regular runoff for natural grouping.

Companion Planting

Due to the requirement for consistently moist to wet soil, companion plants for this Taro should share similar hydration needs. Excellent partners include moisture-loving marginal bog plants like Canna Lilies, which offer complementary broad leaves and bright flowers. Similarly, taller, moisture-tolerant grasses or sedges provide vertical interest without competing heavily with the foliage structure of Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’.

If growing in full sun, use companions with slightly lighter foliage to help buffer the heat intensity that can sometimes scorch the large leaves of any Elephant Ear variety. Consider plants that tolerate root competition well, or utilize large containers where root space can be managed independently for each specimen.