Colocasia esculenta ‘Waikiki’ (aka Royal Hawaiian® ‘Waikiki’) is a striking tropical elephant‑ear cultivar celebrated for its bold, variegated foliage and compact form 🌿.
Colocasia esculenta ‘Waikiki’ (aka Royal Hawaiian® ‘Waikiki’) is a striking tropical elephant‑ear cultivar celebrated for its bold, variegated foliage and compact form 🌿.
Foliage: Glossy, heart- or arrowhead-shaped deep green leaves with broad creamy-white central blazes and vivid pink to purple veins that intensify as the leaf matures. New growth may emerge with a dark (nearly black) underside that transitions to green.
Size & Habit: Clumping, upright habit reaching approximately 30–42″ (75–105 cm) tall and 30–60″ (75–150 cm) wide, with some sources noting a mature spread up to 5 ft.
Light Needs: Thrives in full sun to part shade / semi‑shade, ideally with bright filtered light.
Hardiness: Tolerates USDA Zones 7b–11, enduring temperatures as low as around 5°F (−15°C), although typical growth zones span 8–11.
Culture: Prefers consistently moist, fertile soil; fertilise seasonally and keep well-watered for vigorous foliage.
Usage: Ideal for containers, tropical-style beds, water garden edges, poolside accents, or indoor display in a warm spot.
Planting: Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball; plant tuber slightly above soil level; backfill, irrigate deeply, and mulch around (but not over the stem).
Watering: Maintain moist (but not soggy) soil—regular irrigation is key, especially in warmer zones.
Feeding & Pruning: Fertilise in spring and fall; remove dead or yellowing leaves during the growing season.
Wintering (non-tropical zones): Lift and store tubers in zones colder than USDA 7b or treat Waikiki as a tender perennial — lift, dry, and overwinter indoors.
Outstanding Color Contrast: The creamy-white leaf center contrasting with pink/purple veins, especially vivid under cooler conditions, creates an almost floral appearance in foliage form.
Compact & Versatile: More manageable than many giant colocasias, ‘Waikiki’ holds excellent appeal for patio pots and smaller garden spaces.
Resilient & Showy: With reliable performance, quick clumping habit, and deer resistance—perfect for bold, exotic garden accents.
New leaves often reveal a dark underside (purplish or nearly black) which transitions as they mature.
Pink or purple hues deepen over time, creating dramatic, evolving foliage patterns.
Summary: Royal Hawaiian® ‘Waikiki’ is an eye‑catching, reliable cultivar boasting compact size and dramatic foliage — perfect for tropical-themed spaces. Easy to grow with standard care, it’s sure to be a conversation starter all season long.
| Size | 1 Litre, 2 Litre, 3 Litre, 5 Litre |
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