Colocasia 'Hawaiian Punch' Elephant Ear Bulb

A standout from the 2012 Royal Hawaiian Elephant series, Colocasia 'Hawaiian Punch' is a compact tropical plant that brings bold architectural beauty to any space. Growing to just 36 inches tall and wide, this unique elephant ear features large but manageable arrowhead-shaped leaves, perfect for small gardens or containers. The semi-glossy, mid-green leaves are accented by bright red veins and undulating red margins, perched atop sturdy, succulent red stems. While it may produce yellowish-white spathes, the foliage remains the star of this show.

A frost-tender Colocasia esculenta cultivar, commonly known as elephant ear or taro, 'Hawaiian Punch' thrives in Zones 10-11. Its upright, clumping growth habit makes it an excellent choice for container gardens, small spaces, pond edges, or rain gardens. This striking plant works beautifully as a standalone specimen or in group plantings, where its bold leaves create a lush tropical backdrop for colorful blooms.

Once established, 'Hawaiian Punch' is low maintenance but should never dry out. It prefers sunny to partially shaded locations with fertile, organically rich, loamy soil that remains medium to wet. In hot climates, providing some afternoon shade will help keep the foliage vibrant. This deer-resistant plant thrives with minimal care and adds dramatic flair to gardens of all sizes.

Plant the 7- to 9-inch bulb (rhizome) in mid-spring after soil and air temperatures have warmed to at least 60°F. Bury the bulb 2 to 3 inches deep and space them 3 to 4 feet apart to allow room for growth. In colder climates, dig up the bulbs in fall and store them in a cool, dry place where temperatures stay above 45°F, ready for replanting the following spring.