Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'

 Taro Araceae 

A plant that looks as though it has escaped from a tropical hotel but is surprisingly prepared for a British winter, Colocasia esculenta ‘Pink China’ is one of the hardier elephant ears, with enormous, fresh green, heart-shaped leaves carried on striking pink-flushed stalks. The clone originated from a mountain collection in Yunnan, China, acquired by Kentucky grower Brian Williams for a breeding programme aimed at improving winter hardiness.  C. esculenta is an important food plant: its corms and young leaves are eaten cooked in many tropical and subtropical cuisines, although raw tissue contains irritating calcium oxalate crystals and must be thoroughly cooked. Grow in rich, moisture-retentive soil in sun or partial shade.

Height: 1–1.5m.

Spread: 0.5–1m.

Flowers: July–September.

Hardiness: H5, (–15 to –10°C with a winter mulch)