Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'

RHS Plant Profile
taro 'Pink China'
taro 'Pink China' visionspictures.com

Synonyms

Colocasia 'Pink China'

Conservatory Greenhouse Herbaceous Perennial

A vigorous, tuberous perennial, 1.2m tall, bearing large, heart-shaped leaves to 60cm. The foliage is light green, held on upright, pink-flushed stalks. A striking summer foliage plant and one of the hardiest colocasias; it will die back after the first frosts but should survive the winter given a deep, dry mulch. However, in very cold areas it is better to lift the rhizome in autumn and store it over winter

Position

Full sun, Partial shade

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

1-1.5 metres

Max Spread

0.5-1 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
2–5 years
Max Spread
0.5-1 metres
Max Height
1-1.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid or Alkaline or Neutral

Position

Full sun Partial shade
Aspect
East–facing or South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H3

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Araceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Clump forming, Columnar upright
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: Harmful if eatenskin/eye irritant. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling For further information and contact numbers regarding pets, see the HTA guide to potentially harmful plants
Genus
Colocasia can be deciduous or evergreen, tuberous-rooted perennials with arrow-shaped or rounded leaves, often prominently veined; flowers are minute, on a spadix held within a small white spathe, but are seldom produced in cultivation
Name Status
Accepted

How to Grow

Cultivation

Plant tubers in humus-rich, moist but well-drained soil spring, choosing a sunny or lightly shaded spot with shelter from strong winds. Water freely when the plant comes into growth and apply a high nitrogen feed weekly. Once the foliage dies back in autumn, either cover the crown with a deep, dry mulch, or lift the tuber and store it dry over winter

Propagation

Propagate by division of rhizomes

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Sub-tropical
  • Bedding
  • Conservatory and greenhouse
  • Flower borders and beds

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to glasshouse red spider mite, aphids and glasshouse whitefly

Diseases

Generally disease-free