Taro (Colocasia esculenta 'Hawaiian Punch')

Overview

Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ is a vigorous selection of taro renowned for its dramatic, large foliage, lending an immediate tropical ambiance to any landscape. This specific cultivar stands out due to its medium green leaves beautifully contrasted by vivid purple-red petioles and structural veins. As an Elephant Ear, it creates bold focal points, making the striking appearance of Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ essential for contemporary garden designs.

Primarily grown for its lush foliage, this tuberous perennial thrives in conditions mirroring its humid, tropical origins, requiring consistent moisture to fuel its prodigious growth. Gardeners in warmer climates (Zones 8-10) can enjoy this plant year-round, while others treat this magnificent Taro as a spectacular seasonal annual.

Its rapid growth and impressive scale make the Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ an excellent choice for softening hardscape edges or providing vertical contrast in mixed borders. Careful placement in rich, moist soil ensures maximum leaf size and the best expression of its colorful stems.

Fast Facts

• Plant Family: Araceae
• Plant Type: Bulb
• Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 8-10
• Size at Maturity:
  • Height: 2.5-3 ft
  • Spread: 2.5-3 ft
• Bloom Time: Flowers not showy
• Bloom Description: White spadix with pale yellow spathe
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
• Water Needs: Medium to wet
• Maintenance Level: Medium

How to Grow

For optimal performance, Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ must be planted in fertile, humusy, organically rich soils that retain consistent moisture. Plant tubers in mid-spring (after April 20th in cooler regions like St. Louis) once frost danger has passed, positioning them where they receive full sun or part shade; afternoon shade is beneficial during intense summer heat.

Watering is critical for this water-loving plant. Provide regular moisture, ensuring the soil never dries out, especially during summer droughts. This Taro variety can even thrive as a pond marginal, happily situated in up to 6 inches of standing water. Given its massive leaf production, regular fertilization during the active growing season encourages vigorous, healthy development.

Protect mature plants from strong winds, which can damage the large leaves. In USDA Zones 8 through 10, the tubers can typically remain in the ground for winter dormancy. If overwintering is necessary (below Zone 8), dig up the tubers after the first fall frost, clean them, and store them in a cool, dry location (above 45°F) packed in dry peat or wood shavings, similar to canna storage.

Landscape Uses

The bold, architectural habit of Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ allows it to instantly create a large tropical aesthetic in diverse settings. It excels when used as a dramatic specimen plant, anchoring a mixed border with its deep green and crimson tones. Its preference for moisture makes it an ideal inclusion near downspouts, in rain gardens, or along the margins of water features.

When planting in borders, provide adequate space, as this cultivar can reach 3 feet wide. Pair its strong vertical lines with fine-textured grasses or billowing perennials like hostas or ferns for high-contrast impact. For container gardening, use large pots rich in organic matter to accommodate its high water and nutrient demands, making Taro movable focal points for patios or decks.

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 up to 2’ long on long, stout, succulent stems. ‘Hawaiian Punch’ is a vigorous elephant ear selection that features 1.25-1.5’ long, medium green leaves with contrasting purple-red petioles (leaf stems) and veins.

Tolerances

• Wet Soil

Potential Problems

Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ generally remains free from serious insect or disease problems under ideal growing conditions. Keeping the soil consistently moist and fertile helps maintain plant vigor, which naturally deters most common pests. Monitor for slugs or snails, which can occasionally snack on young, tender leaves in damp environments; use appropriate baits or physical barriers if damage becomes apparent.

Frequently Asked Questions

What hardiness zones is Taro suitable for?

Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ is suitable for USDA Zones 8 through 10, where it can potentially remain in the ground year-round.

How large does Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ grow?

This selection typically reaches a mature height and spread between 2.5 and 3 feet tall and wide, forming a substantial tropical clump.

What sun exposure does Taro need?

This plant thrives in full sun conditions but will appreciate afternoon shade, especially during the hottest periods in warm climates.

When does Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ bloom?

The flowers of this plant are generally considered insignificant and are not a primary feature; blooms appear as a white spadix subtended by a pale yellow spathe.

Conclusion

The rich, architectural foliage and burgundy accents of Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ make it an indispensable tool for gardeners seeking immediate tropical drama and lush texture. This Taro variety offers high visual impact with relatively straightforward care, provided its demand for consistent moisture is met. Before planting, confirm your USDA Hardiness Zone is 8 or higher or plan the proper overwintering strategy to ensure this spectacular plant returns next season.

Companion Planting

Selecting appropriate neighbors enhances the appeal of Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’. Since it demands high moisture and rich soil, pair it with other thirsty, large-leafed plants like moisture-loving Rodgersia or tall ornamental grasses that bridge the mid-height gap. Placing deep purple foliage plants nearby, such as black Mondo Grass or certain heucheras, will amplify the reddish tones in the petioles of the Taro.

Container Growing

Growing Colocasia esculenta ‘Hawaiian Punch’ in containers is an excellent option for maximizing visual impact and controlling its environment, especially for gardeners outside Zone 8. Use large, heavy containers placed on dollies to accommodate its mature size and water needs, preventing tipping. Ensure the soil mix is high in compost and peat to retain moisture, and supplement with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer incorporated at planting time to fuel rapid summer growth.