A part of the Royal Hawaiian series of elephant ears (Colocasia), the new 'Waikiki' is a color breakthrough. The leaves unfurl in shades of green but soon take on white and pink accents.
Common name: Royal Hawaiian 'Waikiki' elephant ear
Botanical name: Colocasia esculenta ‘Waikiki’
Exposure: Full sun to part shade
Foliage: The large, shield-shaped leaves unfold with bright green veins on a dark green background. Soon the bright green turns to white and flamingo pink. The leaf stems are dark purple and they hold the leaves upright.
Habit: Colocasia grows as a clump of long-stemmed leaves. 'Waikiki' reaches three feet tall and wide.
Origin: Colocasia esculenta has naturalized throughout many tropical regions, but it is thought to have originated in Southeast Asia. The cultivar 'Waikiki' was introduced in 2023 as part of Southern Living Plant Collection's Royal Hawaiian line of colocasia.
How to grow it: Plant 'Waikiki' colocasia in full sun or part shade, in the ground or a container at least 12 inches wide and tall. It needs good drainage but it will not withstand dry conditions. Provide regular watering to keep the soil moist. Snip faded or damaged leaves off at the base over the course of the growing season. Hardy to 10˚ (F), 'Waikiki' can winter outdoors in USDA Zones 8 and higher. Elsewhere, it can be wintered dormant indoors.
Image courtesy of Southern Living Plant Collection.
