Origin:  Hybrid
Light:  Sun-part shade
Height:  2-4'
Spacing:  2-3'
Blooms:  Pale yellow, late Spring
Foliage:  Veined, green with black splashes
Soil:  Moist, acidic
Water:  High, especially in Summer
Uses:  Aquatic, indoors, container, beds, borders, shade garden, bog garden, pond, mass
Propagation:  Bulb/offset divisions
Caution:  Plant not edible
Insects/Disease:  Watch for aphids, spidermites, white flies

Comments:  Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris' or Imperial Taro is a tender tropical aquatic perennial plant with a moderatae running growth habit.  It is a showy bulbous hybrid that spreads by above ground or underground runners.  Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris' is easily propagated by bulb or offset divisions.  It thrives best in wet, acidic soil, in a sunny to part shade environment.  The foliage of Imperial Taro has exquisite heart-shaped, green with black splashes; the black coloration is more intense if grown in a sunny location.  Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris' is a water-loving plant.  It spreads by means of upper and ground runners.  Mass plant Imperial Taro around ponds or in the bog garden for a terrific display.  Grow them in moist beds or borders.  Divide bulbs in Winter or early Spring.  Imperial Taro can also be container cultivated as indoor plants.  In colder areas, dig bulb in Winter, let dry and store in cool dry place and grow in Spring or bring container plant indoors and reduce watering.  Colocasia antiquorum 'Illustris' looks fabulous when grown with other water-loving plants.  It is a terrific show-stopper.

USDA Zones:  9-11