The Stunning Royal Hawaiian Aloha Elephant Ear Plant

The Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant ear plant (Colocasia esculenta ‘Royal Hawaiian Aloha’) is a show-stopping tropical plant prized for its vibrant purplish-black foliage marked with prominent electric green veining. This exotic elephant ear variety combines fantastic visual appeal with robust growth, making it a top choice for gardens and containers.

Origins of This Unique Elephant Ear Cultivar

Elephant ears belong to the Araceae plant family which includes calla lilies and other large-leaved plants. The common name refers to their very sizable heart or arrow-shaped leaves which bring to mind an elephant’s ear.

There are around 70 different elephant ear species, most native to southeast Asia and commonly grown in tropical climates. The Royal Hawaiian Aloha is a hybrid cultivar developed in Hawaii by crossing two existing elephant ear varieties:

• Colocasia illustris – Valued for its bold dark purplish leaves
• Colocasia esculenta – Known for its vigorous hardy growth

By hybridizing these two plants, the breeder Dr. John Cho created an exciting new type of elephant ear. It combines the deep blackish-purple foliage and bright green veining of C. illustris, and the robust vigorous growth habit of C. esculenta.

The result is a real showstopper elephant ear with electric, multicolored leaves

Growing Characteristics of Royal Hawaiian Aloha

Some key facts about the growth and care of Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant ears

• Plant Type: Tropical tender perennial often grown as an annual in colder zones
• Mature Size: Grows up to 4 feet tall and 3-4 feet wide
• Leaves: Prominently veined, deep blackish-purple leaves with electric green veining. Heart-shaped and can reach over 2 feet long.
• Flowers: Calla lily-like blooms are insignificant, plant grown for foliage
• Light Needs: Does best in full sun to part shade
• Soil: Rich, moist soil is ideal; avoid letting dry out completely
• Hardiness: Can grow as perennial in zones 7-10, needs winter protection in colder areas
• Water: Keep soil consistently moist, watering 2-3 times a week in heat
• Fertilizer: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during growth

How to Grow Royal Hawaiian Aloha Elephant Ears

Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant ears can be purchased and grown either from bulbs or young starter plants. For fastest results, starter plants are usually best since they are already established.

Plant in a location with full sun to part shade and rich moist soil. Provide ample irrigation, fertilizing regularly during the growing season. In zones 7 or below, dig up the bulbs in fall and store over winter in a cool dry place, then replant outdoors after frost danger passes.

In the right conditions, these elephant ears will quickly grow into bold, dramatic plants up to 4 feet tall. The prominent purplish-black leaves with electric green veining make a stunning sight in gardens or containers.

Using Royal Hawaiian Aloha Elephant Ears in the Landscape

Thanks to its spectacular foliage colors, this elephant ear variety lends serious tropical flair wherever it’s planted. Here are some great ways to showcase it:

• Focal point – The bold leaves naturally draw the eye, making this a perfect focal point for island-inspired designs. Site it as a central feature in beds or containers.

• Borders and beds – Mass several Royal Hawaiian Aloha together for high visual impact in garden beds and borders. They also make first-rate thriller plants in containers.

• Containers – Plant one by itself in a container or combine with other big-leaved tropicals like cannas, bananas, and crotons.

• Water gardens – The lush leaves are well suited to aquatic plantings in ponds and pools. Use along margins or in shallow water.

• Tropical gardens – This elephant ear helps create a Hawaiian tropical look. Partner with gingers, bird of paradise, and other exotic plants.

Caring for Royal Hawaiian Aloha Elephant Ears

Caring for these elephant ears is relatively straightforward when you meet their basic needs:

• Provide consistent moisture through ample watering, 2-3 times per week in heat. Don’t allow soil to dry out.
• Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during active growth period.
• Site in full sun to part shade for best coloration and growth.
• Stake tall plants if needed to provide extra support.
• Prune back damaged leaves as needed to keep plant looking fresh.
• In colder climates, dig up and store the bulbs over winter in a dry, cool spot.

With proper care, the Royal Hawaiian Aloha will reward you with its gracefully arching, electric purple and green leaves. It brings a living touch of the tropics to gardens and containers!

Where to Buy Royal Hawaiian Aloha Elephant Ear Plants

When purchasing Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant ears, look for established young plants from reputable sources. Avoid buying bulbs or tiny starter plants which may struggle. Mature starter plants of several inches are best as they will quickly grow into beautiful specimens.

Quality sellers ship vigorous starter plants, not bare bulbs. Investing a little more in these starts pays off with faster establishment and better success in your landscape.

Adding Dramatic Flair with Royal Hawaiian Aloha

If you’re seeking an exotic accent plant that makes a bold statement, Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant ear is sure to impress. The vibrant foliage colors are eye-catching and distinctive. This variety combines stellar looks with excellent performance and easier care compared to some tropical plants.

Situate in a spot with ample moisture and fertilizer, and provide sun protection in intense afternoon heat if needed. With high-impact purplish-black leaves splashed with electric green veining, the Royal Hawaiian Aloha elephant ear brings a living touch of the tropics to your garden!

Elephant ears generally prefer partial to full shade, especially in hotter climates, but some varieties can tolerate full sun. They thrive in areas with bright, indirect sunlight, but too much direct sun can scorch their leaves.