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🎁 HOLIDAY OFFER 🎁
Free Shipping on 5 or More Plants
Offer Expires Jan 1st

Imperial Taro

Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum 'Illustris'

$22.00

1 Gallon | Hardiness Zones 8-11

Add an exotic touch to your garden with Colocasia esculenta var. antiquorum 'Illustris'. The vibrant green leaves feature unique splashes of deep brownish purple color, making them a true standout. This water-loving plant can also be grown aquatically with ease. When provided with rich soil, plenty of sun, and ample water, this plant will thrive in any ordinary garden soil, making a spectacular addition to your landscape during hot summer months. Keep it protected during winter months with a layer of good mulch. Originally from Polynesia, this plant is sure to add a touch of tropical flair to your garden. 

Photo courtesy of Skylark.

Plant Specs
  • Zones: 8 to 11
  • Sun: Full Shade
  • Soil: Rich, Fertile, Moist, and Wet
  • Growth Rate: Fast

Pickup available at Aiken Nursery

Usually ready in 2-4 days

Hardiness Zones: 8 - 11

Soil: Rich, Fertile, Moist, and Wet

Sun: Full Shade

Seasonal Behavior: Dies back, depends on zone

Growth Rate: Fast

Height at Maturity: 5 - 6 Feet

Spread at Maturity: 5 - 6 Feet

Read full care instruction manual here.

Light Requirements: Prefers partial shade to full sun. While it can tolerate full sun, partial shade is ideal, especially in hotter climates, to prevent leaf scorch and maintain vibrant foliage color.

Soil Requirements: Thrives in moist, well-draining soil. It prefers slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0). Incorporating organic matter such as compost can improve soil fertility and structure. It can tolerate wet soils and is suitable for bog gardens and areas with poor drainage.

Watering: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist. Water deeply to ensure the root zone is adequately hydrated. This plant prefers consistently wet soil conditions, making it an excellent choice for water gardens or along pond edges.

Temperature and Humidity: Hardy in USDA zones 8-11. Prefers warm temperatures and high humidity. Protect from frost and cold winds. In cooler climates, consider growing it as an annual or bringing it indoors during the winter months.

Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and again in mid-summer to support healthy growth. An additional application of compost or well-rotted manure can enhance soil fertility. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of overall plant health.

Pruning: Remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season to maintain a tidy appearance. Cut back the foliage after the first frost in colder climates if grown as a perennial, or before bringing it indoors for winter storage.

Pests and Problems: Generally pest-resistant but can occasionally attract spider mites, aphids, and snails. Ensure good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases. If pests are detected, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Keep an eye out for root rot in poorly draining soils.

Grown in Aiken, S.C.

At Woodlanders, we are committed to quality.

All our plant material is carefully propagated, grown, and nurtured at our humble nursery in Aiken, South Carolina.

Learn more about Woodlanders here.

Here’s a closer look at how we produce our plants:
from rooting to shipping, our top priority is ensuring you receive healthy, thriving plants for your garden’s success.

The majority of our plants are carefully cultivated from rooted cuttings, while we also utilize propagation methods such as seed, air layering, and grafting, thoughtfully chosen to suit each plant’s unique needs.

Our plants are cultivated using sustainable practices, including organic soil blends and eco-friendly pest management, ensuring they thrive while minimizing environmental impact.

We are proud to contribute to local biodiversity through ongoing donations to the Aiken Arboretum and support for local wildlife conservation efforts, helping to preserve and enhance our community’s natural ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to expect upon delivery

All our plants are sold in 1-gallon sizes, though the height of each plant can vary depending on its growth rate and seasonality, typically ranging from 1/2 to 2.5 feet.

Each plant is carefully packaged with its roots enclosed in a secure plastic bag containing moist soil, forming a compact root ball. To ensure safe transport, the box is padded with recycled newspaper, providing both stability and eco-friendly protection from weather during shipping.

What is your return policy?

Review our full return policy information on our SHIPPING AND RETURNS POLICY page.

What payment methods can I use?

We offer 35 different payment methods including major providers like Mastercard, Visa, PayPal, American Express and Diners as well as many different local payment methods including Klarna, iDEAL, AliPay, Sofort, giropay, and many more.

Can I make changes to my order after it’s been placed?

At Woodlanders, we strive to fulfill orders as quickly as possible. Therefore, we can only accommodate changes to your order within the first 24 hours after it has been placed. These changes include adding or removing products and modifying the delivery address. If you need to make any changes or if there has been a mistake with your order information, please reach out to us promptly via our CONTACT page with your order number for the quickest resolution.

Your satisfaction is our priority, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.