Professional Growing Information This has been a great plant to grow this year! It has grown very large with almost no care. I had several months of illness this summer and so my garden was neglected but Coffee Cups still performed! It has the unique form and is eye-catching. I'm going to dig the tubers and save this plant because I can not bear to loose it during the winter. Going to buy several more of these great plants next year to give to my Mom. Very, very satisfied with Coffee Cups.
Coffee Cups Elephant's Ear Colocasia esculenta
Exposure
- Part Sun to Sun
Flower Season
- Spring
- Summer
Mature Size
Height: 3' - 5'
Spread: 2'6" - 4'
Height: 91cm - 1.5m
Spread: 76cm - 1.2m
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Details
36 - 60 Inches36 - 60 Inches30 - 48 Inches91cm - 1.5m91cm - 1.5m76cm - 1.2mFeatures
This is one of my all-time favorite plants. The cupped foliage will collect rainwater until there is enough water to bend the stem and pour the water out. It is really cool and will appeal to kids of all ages. Colocasia are great tropical plants suited to be grown as annuals in cold winter climates and perennials in warm winter climates. Some Colocasia tend to spread by runners, while others remain as a clump. Coffee Cups is a clumper.
Award WinnerFoliage InterestHeat TolerantDeadheading Not NecessaryWater PlantCharacteristics
Plant Type:AnnualHeight Category:TallGarden Height:36 - 60 Inches 91cm - 1.5mSpacing:36 - 60 Inches 91cm - 1.5mSpread:30 - 48 Inches 76cm - 1.2mFoliage Colors:GreenFoliage Shade:Deep olive with mocha veins and stemsHabit:UprightContainer Role:ThrillerPlant Needs
Light Requirement:Part Sun to SunThe optimum amount of sun or shade each plant needs to thrive: Full Sun (6+ hours), Part Sun (4-6 hours), Full Shade (up to 4 hours).
Maintenance Category:EasyBloom Time:Grown for FoliageHardiness Zones:8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11bWater Category:AverageUses:ContainerUses:LandscapeUses:Specimen or Focal PointUses Notes:Great in landscapes on containers. It makes a fun and unique focal plant.
Maintenance Notes:According to the Humane Society of America Colocasia plants can be toxic to pets. This is means that the plants are generally identified as having the capability for producing a toxic reaction.
This plant is not edible and can be harmful to humans if ingested.
These are durable plants that will perform best with moist to wet soil, but can tolerate some drought stress. Drought stress will negatively affect the appearance of the plant.
Colocasia form tubers and these tubers can be stored for replanting in the spring. To dig and store tubers follow these directions. First, allow frost to kill the top of the plant then cut back the stems and dig the tubers. Wash off any soil and then allow the tubers to dry. Wrap dry tubers in newspapers or pack them in peat moss. Label each tuber or group of tubers so you know what they are come spring. Store tubers in a dark, cool (35 to 45 F) place. Do not allow tubers to freeze.
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12 Reviews
5943321Browse reviews from people who have grown this plant.-
Nancy Bennett, Tennessee, United States, 2 years ago
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Love this plant. Mine is over 5 feet tall and still making new leaves in late October in New England. Am planning to bring it in and store in my basement for the winter.
Cyndik, Massachusetts, United States, 2 years ago -
This plant is phenomenal. I purchased two earlier in the summer, planted them in June and they are now between 7-8 feet tall. They are both mammoth. I'd add a photo but I don't see where I can attach one. I never want to go without this gorgeous plant in my beds. It's stunning. People stop by and compliment me on it weekly. No bug issues with this plant, either. Stays clean. I simply love it!
Marni Major, Oklahoma, United States, 2 years ago -
Very unique plant, to say the least. Im in zone 8b (Seattle suburb) and she stayed about 2 feet in diameter and width while being potted in full sun. Very eye catching and interesting. I'd buy it again. I hope I can bring in the tuber over winter and get another year of growth. It didn't not get as big as the demo plant in the proven winners 2020 plant introduction video, but that could be because it was potted.
Jennifer Williams Van Wyk, Washington, United States, 2 years ago -
Very easy to grow even in hot, buggy, Oklahoma.. A friend gave me a small pot full last summer. I put the pot under a pine tree. I brought the pot inside into an unheated room for the winter. This spring I planted the few small plants into the ground under the pine tree. It is now August and they are beautiful. I even had another clump come up under the tree, I think it must have been in the ground all winter. They get watered a bit usually daily. Bugs don't bother them, that's a big plus. I would definitely recommend this plant.
dianne, Oklahoma, United States, 9 years ago -
"Coffee Cups" West Indian Kale is a beautiful addition to your garden or patio pots. It's color is striking and goes well with "Wasabi" Coleus. It is a very easy care plant and adds a statement to your outdoor design; I will using this beautiful plant yearly.
Melissa, 11 years ago -
LOVE IT
d.stone, Indiana, United States, 12 years ago -
Russell Studebaker, Texas, United States, 12 years ago
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I love it so much I am going to pot it up and move it in and hope for the best.
Pat Dodson, Nebraska, United States, 12 years ago -
i love it! very fun and different everyone asks me what it is
diane Fork, Ohio, United States, 12 years ago
38 Awards
Award Year Award Plant Trial 2023 Top Performer Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden 2021 Top Performer - Perennial Mississippi State University - Crystal Springs 2020 Top Performer Ohio State University Extension - Springfield 2020 Top Performer - Early Season Michigan State University 2020 Perfect Score - Mid Season Michigan State University 2020 Top Performer - Final Michigan State University 2020 Top Performer Penn State 2020 Top Performer Boerner Botanical Garden 2020 Top Performer - Container University of Minnesota - Grand Rapids 2020 Top Performer University of Delaware 1 Recipe
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