Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Aloha Elephant Ear Bulb

Colocasia Royal Hawaiian® Aloha Elephant Ear is a standout tropical plant that commands attention with its bold foliage and striking color. Reaching 32 to 44 inches tall, Aloha features glossy, heart-shaped leaves that start as dark olive-green and quickly mature into a rich purple-black, highlighted by contrasting spring green veins. Its robust, dense growth habit adds captivating texture and flair to any garden or landscape.

A frost-tender perennial (Colocasia esculenta), Aloha thrives in Zones 8-12 with a tidy, upright clumping habit. Perfectly suited for pond margins, rain gardens, and areas with standing water, it can also be grown in large containers to contain its growth or in cooler climates. Whether planted as a single focal point or in groupings to complement vibrant flowers, Aloha transforms any space into a tropical paradise.

Once established, Aloha is easy to maintain but requires consistently moist soil. It performs best in sunny to partially shaded areas with rich, fertile soil. In hotter climates, afternoon shade helps protect it from stress. Its deer-resistant qualities add to its appeal, making it both ornamental and practical for diverse garden settings.

Plant the 9- to 11-inch bulb (rhizome) in mid-spring, burying it 2 to 4 inches deep and spacing bulbs 18 to 24 inches apart once soil and air temperatures are consistently above 60°F. In colder regions, dig up the bulbs in fall, store them in a cool, dry location at around 50°F, and replant them the following spring after frost danger has passed.