Royal Hawaiian® Hilo Bay Colocasia Plant

Royal Hawaiian® Hilo Bay Colocasia Plant boasts extra large, 20-inch leaves dramatically rising on stems that are the rich, deep color of dark chocolate. These Elephant Ears are very heavily textured and corrugated and are medium-green, not quite olive, in color! The colorful contrast of stems to leaves makes for a quite striking display.

Planting Instructions:

• - Plant in late spring or early summer after the last frost date

Soil Preparation:

• - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.0

Watering Specifics:

• - Water regularly to keep the soil evenly moist, especially during hot weather

Fertilizer Type:

• - Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time
• - Supplement with a water-soluble fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season
• - Reduce feeding as the plant matures to avoid excessive foliage growth

Pruning and Training:

• - No major pruning is necessary, but trimming can help maintain shape

Additional Pest Management:

• - Watch for common pests like aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies
• - Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat any infestations as needed

Blooming Indicators:

• - Blooms continuously from summer through fall, adding bold color to the garden

Light Requirements:

• - Can tolerate light shade, but flower production may decrease

Temperature Tolerance:

• - Heat-tolerant but should be protected from extreme heat to prevent stress

Companion Plants for Celosia:

• - Marigolds: Their pest-repelling properties and bright colors make them a beneficial companion for Celosia
• - Zinnias: The bold, colorful flowers of Zinnias complement the unique blooms of Celosia
• - Salvia: Their spiky flowers add vertical interest and attract pollinators, complementing Celosia
• - Verbena: The trailing habit and clusters of small flowers of Verbena create a striking contrast with Celosia
• - Coleus: The vibrant foliage of Coleus pairs well with the bold flowers of Celosia in garden beds and containers