Tropicals & Tender Perennials: How many cold climate people have a lot of tropical plants?, 1 by bwilliams

bwilliams wrote:
I have been breeding Colocasias to with stand colder climates. This spring 3 of my new hybrids are being released. I believe more test are being done before they will push the cold hardiness of these plants but here is my track record with them.

Colocasia Madeira is a dwarf black elephant ear with light pink stems. It is a clumper and will be very dark if not black in full sun. I have grown it for 9 years in Kentucky zone 6 with and with out mulching protection. Plants must be well established in a full sun area with good winter drainage. I recommend mulching it up in zones colder than 5. I tend to rate this plant about the same as a Musa Basjoo on hardiness. I recommend you care for it similar to how one would care for the Musa Basjoo banana.