Colocasia Pharaoh's Mask

Colocasia 'Pharaoh’s Mask' is a bold and exotic elephant ear that earns its name with its dramatic, dark purple-black veins that rise above the surface of the huge, lime to chartreuse-green leaves, creating a 3D, sculptural effect. This striking veining resembles the ceremonial masks of ancient Egyptian royalty—making it a true showstopper in the garden.

• Common Name: Elephant Ear

• Botanical Name: Colocasia esculenta 'Pharaoh’s Mask'

• Type: Tuberous tropical perennial

Native Range

• The species (Colocasia esculenta) is native to tropical Southeast Asia, where it thrives in wetlands and lowland forests.

• Cultivar developed for ornamental use; not found in the wild.

 USDA Hardiness Zones

• Zones 8b–11: Perennial in warm climates

• In Zones 2–8a, grow as an annual or lift tubers before frost for winter storage

Mature Size

• Height: 4–5 feet (can reach 6 feet in optimal conditions)

• Spread: 3–4 feet

• Upright growth habit with large, deeply textured leaves

Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun to partial shade (brightest color in part sun)

• Soil: Rich, moist, well-draining soil; tolerates boggy or wet soils

• Water: Likes it wet—keep soil consistently moist

• Fertilizer: Heavy feeder; apply a balanced or high-nitrogen fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season

 Care Tips

• Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds

• Tolerates growing in pond margins or containers kept moist

• In cold zones, dig and store tubers before frost in a dry, cool place (like dahlias)

• Monitor for snails, spider mites, and aphids

Landscape & Garden Uses

• Focal point in tropical or exotic-themed gardens

• Water gardens, bogs, or rain gardens

• Large containers or pots on patios or poolside

• Combine with coleus, caladiums, bananas, or hibiscus for lush, layered textures

• Works well in shaded entryways or courtyards for drama and contrast

---SHIPPING NOTICE PLEASE READ BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS!---

 We WILL NOT refund the purchase of or the shipping cost of live plants purchased with the intent to be shipped to states that do not authorize importing live plants or to states with restrictions! Purchases to these states will be held for 30 days for pick-up at our Slidell, Louisiana store and the shipping cost associated with these purchases will be held for the care of the plant while waiting to be picked up. All sales are final. If the plant(s) purchased are not picked up within 30 days from the date of order, these items will be returned to our sales inventory and you WILL NOT be refunded. Thank you for understanding these policies.

Due to regulations, certain states have restrictions on importing plants. Please review the list below to ensure you're not attempting to order any restricted plants in your area.

**Important Note:** We do not ship any plants outside the U.S.

State-Specific Restrictions - We ARE NOT responsible for any plant(s) that are not listed in these restrictions. Purchaser bears all responsibility for making sure the plant(s) they desire to purchase are not banned from being imported to the shipping state:

Arizona: Juglans spp.  

California: Castanea spp., Juglans spp., Pinus spp., Quercus spp.  

Colorado: Some counties restrict Prunus spp. Please verify your local county regulations.  

Florida: Castanea spp., Cornus spp., Quercus spp., Cornus mas 

Georgia: Vaccinium spp.

Hawaii: Pinus spp. 

Idaho: Humulus lupulus, Mentha spp., Vitis spp.

Indiana: Fragraria spp., Rosa spp. 

Kansas: Juglans spp.

Michigan: Abies spp., Vaccinium spp.

Montana: Pinus spp.

Nevada: Allium spp.

Mentha spp. 

New Jersey: Rosa spp.  

New York: Vitis spp.  

Oregon: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Quercus spp., Sambucus nigra, Ulmus spp., Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.

Texas: Juglans spp. 

Washington: Allium spp., Castanea spp., Corylus spp., Humulus lupulus, Vaccinium spp., Vitis spp.  

Wisconsin: Abies spp., Pinus spp., Picea spp., Mentha spp. 

Additionally, we cannot ship plants in soil medium to the following states: AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, HI, ID, KS, MS, MT, ND, NM, NV, OK, OR, SD, TX, UT, WA.