Hardy Elephant Ear 'New Guinea Shield' (Alocasia wentii)

Hardy Elephant Ear 'New Guinea Shield': Purple-Backed Foliage

Alocasia wentii, known as Hardy Elephant Ear or New Guinea Shield, is a striking species from New Guinea. It features large, shield-shaped, deep green leaves (up to 2 feet long) with a dramatic, glossy purple-bronze underside. The leaves are held upright on stout, mottled petioles, forming an architectural clump 3-5 feet tall. It is one of the more cold-tolerant alocasias.

Shade Garden Structure

Plant in spring in rich, moist, well-drained soil, partial to full shade. Protect from strong winds. In zones 8 and colder, mulch heavily or lift corm. The purple undersides are revealed when the wind blows or from below, adding a dynamic element. A bold foliage plant for tropical-style shade gardens.

Taxonomy

• Family: Araceae
• Genus: Alocasia
• Species: wentii