Bring an enchanting touch to your garden with Colocasia 'Tea Cup' Elephant Ear, a truly unique variety that earns its name from its teacup-shaped leaves. These glossy, olive-green leaves, accented by deep purple veins and stems, collect rainwater in their natural "cups." As the leaves fill, they gracefully tip to pour out the water, creating a mesmerizing display while providing fresh water for pollinators. Blooming modestly in summer, the plant's flowers offer a sweet nectar treat for bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds.
Part of the Colocasia esculenta family, commonly known as taro or elephant ear, 'Tea Cup' grows quickly into a tropical showstopper. It serves as a striking focal point in garden beds and borders or a lush backdrop for colorful blooms. It's also an excellent choice for large containers, thriving indoors or outdoors, and makes an eye-catching addition to ponds or water gardens as a marginal plant.
Thriving in warm, humid conditions, 'Tea Cup' prefers fertile, organic-rich, medium to wet soil and tolerates standing water but struggles in dry conditions. Position it in full sun to partial shade for best results, providing afternoon shade in hot climates. Regular fertilization during the growing season helps it flourish. Naturally pest, deer, and rabbit resistant, 'Tea Cup' is a low-maintenance beauty.
Plant 'Tea Cup' bulbs in spring once nighttime temperatures stay above 60°F. Bury bulbs 2 to 3 inches deep, spacing them 3 to 4 feet apart for a spectacular tropical display.
