Alocasia, Elephant Ear, Taro 'Hilo Beauty'
Alocasia
| Family: | Araceae (a-RAY-see-ee) (Info) |
| Genus: | Alocasia (a-loh-KAY-see-uh) (Info) |
| Cultivar: | Hilo Beauty |
| Additional cultivar information: | (aka Colocasia Hilo Beauty, Colocasia Hilo High Colour, Caladium Hilo Beauty) |
Category:
Bulbs
Perennials
Ponds and Aquatics
Foliage Color:
Bloom Characteristics:
Water Requirements:
Requires consistently moist soil; do not let dry out between waterings
Where to Grow:
Height:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Spacing:
24-36 in. (60-90 cm)
Hardiness:
USDA Zone 9a: to -6.6 °C (20 °F)
USDA Zone 9b: to -3.8 °C (25 °F)
USDA Zone 10a: to -1.1 °C (30 °F)
USDA Zone 10b: to 1.7 °C (35 °F)
Sun Exposure:
Light Shade
Danger:
Parts of plant are poisonous if ingested
Bloom Color:
Inconspicuous/none
Bloom Time:
N/A
Foliage:
Grown for foliage
Variegated
Mottled
Other details:
Soil pH requirements:
6.1 to 6.5 (mildly acidic)
6.6 to 7.5 (neutral)
Patent Information:
Non-patented
Propagation Methods:
By dividing rhizomes, tubers, corms or bulbs (including offsets)
Seed Collecting:
Allow seedheads to dry on plants; remove and collect seeds
Properly cleaned, seed can be successfully stored
Regional
This plant has been said to grow in the following regions:
Cottondale, Alabama
Tuskegee, Alabama
Mesa, Arizona
San Francisco, California
Thousand Oaks, California
Big Pine Key, Florida
Boca Raton, Florida
Daytona Beach, Florida
Deland, Florida
Homestead, Florida
Miami, Florida
Navarre, Florida
Ocoee, Florida (2 reports)
Oldsmar, Florida
Tampa, Florida
Cordele, Georgia
Dallas, Georgia
Hilo, Hawaii
Chicago, Illinois
Barbourville, Kentucky
Mandeville, Louisiana
Slidell, Louisiana
Bay Springs, Mississippi
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Summerville, South Carolina
Sumter, South Carolina
Alvin, Texas
Galveston, Texas
Mont Belvieu, Texas
Princeton, Texas
Richmond, Texas
Roanoke, Texas
show allGardeners' Notes:
| Rating | Content |
|---|---|
| Neutral | On Mar 7, 2010, ExoticRainforest from Siloam Springs, AR wrote: According to an article in the International Aroid Society Journal, Volume 32, 2009 on page 126 the plant Hilo Beauty is not an Alocasia. In an article by aroid botanist Wilbert Hetterscheid, the plant is truly the newly described species Caladium praetermissum. |
| Positive | On Jun 11, 2009, turektaylor from Elizabeth City, NC (Zone 8a) wrote: there's quite a few varying zone allowances, like a previous daver's comment. i might split mine and leave a smaller 1 outside, well mulched and bring the other in. safe is always better. |
| Neutral | On Apr 26, 2008, Cordeledawg from Cordele, GA (Zone 8a) wrote: This cultivar was purchased from Aristarts and according to this seller, it is hardy 7b. Hummm, I'll try growing mine in the ground since it is semi-aquatic it may even do well around my pond margin.. |
| Positive | On Jun 18, 2005, brugmansialover from Santa Maria, CA (Zone 9a) wrote: WoW i am so lucky i found this plant, i was at Cal-Poly in San Luis Obispo in ca. and i saw this pretty alocasia! I had to have it.. I have it inside, and i fertalize it a little sometimes.. It has grown good, and has two new leaves.. I hope i can keep it alive in the house! I love Hilo Beauty! |
| Positive | On Dec 25, 2003, palmbob from Acton, CA (Zone 8b) wrote: Hilo beauty also does great in Hilo...a zone 11. This is one of the best Alocasias I have grown in Thousand Oaks, California, a notoriously unfriendly climate for this genus (too hot and dry). |
| Positive | On Jun 10, 2003, Doodad from Bay Springs, MS wrote: I wish to add something to the zones listed for the Alocasia Hilo Beauty. I live in zone 8, about 90 airline miles above the Gulf of Mexico. The Hilo Beauty grows great here and has multiplied in my yard. It comes back every spring just like my Elephant Ears. This summer, I have 3 blooms on it. |
| Positive | On Jan 5, 2003, lupinelover from Grove City, OH (Zone 6a) wrote: This variety has exceptionally beautiful foliage. It seems to be more content growing in containers inside the house better than the unimproved species. |
| Positive | On Aug 29, 2002, mystic from Ewing, KY (Zone 6a) wrote: Beautiful pattern white on green. Heart shaped leaves.Can be used as a marginal pond plant. Over winters indoors except in zones 9 and 10. Does not like sun does better in shade. |
