Colocasia esculenta 'Rhubarb' – Red-Stemmed Elephant's Ear for Wet Sites

'Rhubarb' Elephant's Ear

Colocasia esculenta 'Rhubarb' (kol-oh-KAY-shah ess-kew-LEN-tah) earns its name from the slender red stems that support its spade-shaped foliage—far more ornamental than kitchen garden rhubarb.

Growing Conditions & Care

Give 'Rhubarb' full sun or partial shade and rich, moist soil, and it will produce lots of pretty leaves on exciting red stems. This elephant's ear can even live happily submerged in water. Gardeners in cool hardiness zones may overwinter tubers indoors covered by peat moss during winter, after leaves have been desiccated by frost.

Propagation

Plant 'Rhubarb' tubers when soil is consistently around 70°F. Separate offsets in spring or summer.

Potential Problems

If tubers are kept too wet during winter storage, they may rot. Keep tubers and peat moss slightly damp, never wet.

Quick Reference

• Height: 4 ft.
• Spread: 1–3 ft.
• Light: Full sun to part shade
• Moisture: Medium to wet
• Maintenance: Moderate
• Foliage Color: Green
• Uses: Containers, foliage accent
• Type: Tropical