Blue Hawaii elephant’s ear

Perennial

Colocasia esculenta ‘Blue Hawaii’

Blue Hawaii elephant’s ear

Also known as: Colocasia ‘Blue Hawaii’

A vigorous elephant’s ear with large blue-green leaves marked by near-black veins.

  • Full sun, Partial shade
  • 1–1.8 m (3–6 ft)
  • 0.8–1.2 m (3–4 ft)
  • H2 · Zone 9
  • July–August
  • Deciduous

Where to Buy

Buy from Botanico (Amazon)

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Overview

This eye-catching Colocasia esculenta selection produces broad, arrow-shaped leaves in a striking blue-green with contrasting dark, almost black venation, on sturdy upright stems. It shares the same tropical needs as other elephant’s ears: warmth, rich moist soil and generous summer watering give the boldest leaves, and the whole plant collapses at the first frost. Treat the tubers as tender in all but the mildest UK gardens - lift and store them frost-free over winter, or keep a container plant somewhere cool but frost-free until spring.

At a Glance

Sun Full sun, Partial shade
Height 1–1.8 m (3–6 ft)
Spread 0.8–1.2 m (3–4 ft)
Hardiness H2 · Zone 9
Flowers July–August
Soil Clay, Loam, Sand
Moisture Wet
Habit Clump forming, Upright
Water High
Maintenance Moderate

Growing Conditions

Min. Temperature 1°C (34°F)
pH Range 5.5–7
Fertility Fertile

Aspect Suitability

  • East-facing
  • South-facing
  • West-facing

Site Tolerance

  • Wet soil

Soil Tolerance

  • Clay
  • Loam
  • Acid
  • Neutral pH

Foliage

Persistence Deciduous
Colour Blue-green, Black
Leaf shape / texture peltate_cordate
  • Architectural foliage

Foliage interest: May–October

Seasonal Timeline

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Flowering
Foliage
Propagate
  • Flowering Jul Aug
  • Foliage May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct
  • Propagate Apr May Jun

Maintenance Calendar

  • Apr Divide offsets under cover as fresh roots form
  • May Plant outside after frost and once soil is warm
  • Jun Feed regularly and maintain abundant summer moisture
  • Aug Check leaf undersides for mites in dry weather
  • Oct Lift in cold or wet gardens or deeply mulch a well-drained crown
  • Dec Check stored tubers for rot and avoid saturated compost

Garden Design

Works well in: Bog, Container, Contemporary, Tropical

The blue-toned leaves and dark veining show best in good light beside water; combine with dark-leaved cannas or purple-black Colocasia cultivars for a jungle-style planting.

Companion planting: Cannas, Gingers, Moisture-loving ferns

Wildlife Value

  • Shelter

Safety

  • Toxic to humans
  • Toxic to dogs
  • Toxic to cats
  • Skin irritant

Raw tissues contain irritating calcium oxalate crystals. Harmful if eaten; sap can irritate skin and eyes. Keep away from pets.