Colocasia Waikiki

Colocasia WaikikiThis is the elephant ear turned showstopper. Colocasia 'Waikiki' takes those bold, heart shaped leaves and splashes them with cream, soft green, gold and a blush of pink, so that no two leaves and no two plants are ever quite the same. It brings colour to a planting scheme where most foliage plants bring only shape. It has all the lush, jungle presence of a classic Colocasia, but the variegation lifts it into something you'll want centre stage in a

This is the elephant ear turned showstopper. Colocasia 'Waikiki' takes those bold, heart-shaped leaves and splashes them with cream, soft green, gold and a blush of pink, so that no two leaves — and no two plants — are ever quite the same. It brings colour to a planting scheme where most foliage plants bring only shape.

It has all the lush, jungle presence of a classic Colocasia, but the variegation lifts it into something you'll want centre stage — in a big patio pot, at the front of an exotic border, or even indoors by a bright window as a living sculpture. Give it warmth and steady moisture and it grows away quickly through summer, each unfurling leaf a small reveal of its own pattern.

Where to grow it

Unlike the dark-leaved sorts, 'Waikiki' wants good light to keep its colours singing — bright, but out of fierce midday sun, which can scorch the paler patches. Somewhere sheltered, warm and reliably moist suits it best. Keep it well watered and well fed and it'll reward you with leaf after patterned leaf.

Supplied as an established plant in a 1 litre pot, grown here in Norfolk and ready to make a statement.