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Colocasia Pharaoh's Mask ('Cophama')

A frost-tender, tuberous evergreen perennial to 1m tall, producing striking, heart-shaped green leaves on upright, black stems with chunky black veins which curl backwards, giving the impression of a mask. A stunning foliage plant, perfect as a houseplant or can be grown outside in containers in a frost-free, sheltered location

Synonyms

Colocasia 'Cophama'

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Ultimate height

0.5–1 metres

Time to ultimate height

2–5 years

Ultimate spread

0.5–1 metres

Loam

Sand

Moisture

Moist but well–drained

pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

	Stem	Flower	Foliage	Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Partial shade

Aspect

East–facing or South–facing or West–facing

Exposure

Sheltered

Hardiness
Hardiness ratings
All ratings refer to the UK growing conditions unless otherwise stated. Minimum temperature ranges (in degrees C) are shown in brackets
H1a: under glass all year (>15C)
H1b: can be grown outside in the summer (10 - 15)
H1c: can be grown outside in the summer (5 - 10)
H2: tolerant of low temperatures, but not surviving being frozen (1 to 5)
H3: hardy in coastal and relatively mild parts of the UK (-5 to 1)
H4: hardy through most of the UK (-10 to -5)
H5: hardy in most places throughout the UK even in severe winters (-15 to -10)
H6: hardy in all of UK and northern Europe (-20 to -15)
H7: hardy in the severest European continental climates (< -20)

H1B

Botanical details

Family: Araceae
Native to GB / Ireland: No
Foliage: Evergreen
Habit: Clump forming
Potentially harmful: Humans/Pets: Harmful if eaten, skin/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: Trade

How to grow

Cultivation

Plant tubers in a large pot of humus-rich compost in warm conditions in early spring. In early summer the pot can be positioned in a sunny or lightly shaded spot outdoors, with shelter from strong winds. Water freely when the plant comes into growth and apply a high nitrogen feed weekly. Either move the pot into a greenhouse or conservatory over winter, or lift the tuber and store it dry. See houseplant cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by division or by stem cuttings

Suggested planting locations and garden types

Architectural
City and courtyard gardens
Cottage and informal garden
Houseplants
Patio and container plants
Conservatory and greenhouse

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

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

Diseases

Generally disease-free

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.