2023 AAS Ornamental Winner
Colocasia ROYAL HAWAIIAN® Waikiki
All-America Selections has another first: A colocasia winner! Trialed in the non-seed container trial, this beauty wowed the judges with its sturdy, large glossy leaves that unfurled with a bold leaf coloration featuring pink veins and creamy white centers. Waikiki is part of the Royal Hawaiian series and produces these striking colors earlier than other variegated leaf colocasia. The deep burgundy stems produce a lush, compact plant that holds up well even in wind and rain. What a way to bring a touch of the tropics to your garden, no matter where you are located!
Retailers: Download 8×10″ benchcard
Available in plant form only.Plant Description
Genus:
Colocasia
Species:
esculenta
Common Name:
Taro or Elephant Ear
Plant Habit:
Clump forming
Plant Height:
36 inches
Foliage Color:
Deep-green glossy foliage with white markings and vivid pink veins
Breeder:
John J. Cho, Ph.D. Emeritus Plant Pathologist, University of Hawaii, Plant Breeder of the Royal Hawaiian Colocasia Collection - Licensed by: Planthaven.com
Close Market Comparison:
Nancy’s Revenge
Planting & Care
Garden Spacing:
12-15 inches
Duration Type:
Annual
Hardiness Zone/Hardy to Zone:
Zone 7b - 11
Light Needs:
Full - partial sun
Water Needs:
High
Weather Tolerance:
Drought, heat
Dead Heading Recommended:
No
Staking Required:
No
Container:
Yes, 14-20" size
Medium Height Divider:
Yes
Judges Observations
- “Great foliage color on a compact plant”
- “Color holds up well even in full sun and after a frost”
- “Lush, large full leaves with great color”
- “Tricolor foliage is stunning, red petioles stand out”
- “A fantastic elephant ear that will add drama to the garden”
Reviews
Doug Jimerson –
This was a great plant for our north Florida garden. It added tons of color to a front door pot and the leaves held up well during high winds. Of course, in north Florida we don’t often get a light frost until late December so if our plant gets knocked back it will have given us almost a full year of color. It can get a bit thirsty when first planted, but then is seemed fine with our regular rains.