TROPICALS
ALOCASIA X ‘BORNEO
KING’ PPAF
One might ask if this is an improved form of the beloved ‘Borneo Giant’ and we would have to say, it is indeed improved! After making multiple crosses with Borneo Giant and Odora, breeder Brian Williams came up with the perfect hybrid, exhibiting the best attributes of both parents: a faster rate of growth like Borneo with enormous, rippled leaves like Odora, and cold hardiness to zone 8! Start your own tropical paradise with this distinctly new hybrid. The leaves are certain to fan you as the summer breezes kick in!
Size: 6–7' tall by 5–6' wide
Soil: Average garden soil, well drained
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained and not too soggy
Sun/Shade: Part Sun/ Prefers Afternoon Shade
Diseases and Pests: None Known
Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
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MASQUERADE™ SERIES ALOCASIA ‘KUCHING
MASK’ PPAF
During an expedition to Borneo, Breeder Brian Williams and his fiancé Sarah visited the city of Kuching, which in the Malaysian dialect, is synonymous with “cat”. Once home, and excited to find this amazing new alocasia in Brian’s breeding lines, they remarked on how the deeply lobed leaves reminded them of “cat ears” — and decided to name it after the city they so enjoyed. A very distinct variety, with a reach of up to 4’ wide, Kuching Mask makes a striking specimen. Maturing to only 2’ tall, its dark-green, pointed leaves are accented with off-white, dramaticlooking veins. Perfect for container planting or better yet, to use as a backdrop for Caladiums and other summer annuals! Size: 2’ x 3–4’ USDA Zones: 9–11 Sun/Shade: Part shade Soil: Average garden soil, well drained
ALOCASIA X ‘MAYAN PP 24391
Diseases and Pests: None known Moisture: Moist, but well-drained and not too soggy Landscape Use: Borders, containers, foundations plantings, mass plantings, specimens, urban gardens
MASK’
Mayan Mask commands attention with bold, upright leaves and strong, sturdy, stems. Each leaf unfurls with a satin texture and bright, pale green veins, but matures to glossy grass green with chocolate undersides. Plant this new powerful tropical in a large container as a specimen or use the graceful, yet powerful foliage to lure passers by into your garden, for it will make the perfect focal point. This selection is very robust and durable, so it will never flop or fall.
Size: 8’ tall by 4–5’ wide USDA Zones: 9–11 Sun/Shade: Part shade Soil: Average garden soil, well drained
Diseases and Pests: None known Moisture: Moist, but well-drained and not too soggy Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
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ALOCASIA SARA WAKENSIS
‘YUCATAN PRINCESS’ A one of a kind tropical, Yucatan Princess will cause you to take a second look at her incredibly glossy, patent leather-like leaves held high on strong, sturdy, stems. Each leaf unfurls to reveal a calm, cool grayish-green surface and an underside the color of a tall glass of chocolate milk. A mutation of an already beautiful specimen, this dark form of Alocasia sarawakensis stands tall and powerful with bold foliage reaching to eight feet high and five feet wide. The thick chocolate stems of this powerful princess hold her leaves straight and tall all summer like an Indian headdress.
Size: 8’ tall by 4–5’ wide USDA Zones: 9–11 Sun/Shade: Part shade Soil: Average garden soil, well drained
Diseases and Pests: None known Moisture: Moist, but well-drained and not too soggy Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
COLOCASIA ‘BLACK
RIPPLE’ PP 26151
This is one hard working, sexy elephant ear. The first time we saw Black Ripple (formerly known as ‘Puckered Up’) in the trial fields, we were blown away by the number of stems and leaves, the sheen and the amazingly puckered foliage. This is one of the cutest, most attractive colocasias released in a long time. The light plays off of each pucker to make the foliage look a lot like a shiny turtle shell. The habit is rather compact, with many stems, so this one will make a lovely presentation in any retail setting in a one, two or three gallon pot.
Size: 3–4’ tall by 3–4’wide USDA Zones: 8–11 Sun/Shade: Full Sun to Part Shade Soil: Average garden soil
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
Diseases and Pests: None known Moisture: Moist, but well-drained Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
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COLOCASIA ‘PHARAOH’S
MASK’ PPAF
A unique variety, Pharaoh’s Mask has bright green leaves that are accentuated by bulging purple veins, creating an unusual 3D effect that is impossible to ignore. At maturity, the leaf edges curve under, showing off the purple veins even more. Strong, dark stems, the same color as the veins, support individual leaves like masquerade masks, to form tight clumps that stand 4 feet tall and are tolerant of full sun or part shade. Pharaoh’s Mask lends itself to containers, where it can be placed in various garden spaces, or in large pots — poolside, to show off its amazing attributes as well as in mass plantings and near the water’s edge — just be careful not to get its feet too wet!
Size: 4’ tall x 3–4’ wide
Sun/Shade: Full Sun to Part Shade
Diseases and Pests: None known
USDA Zones: 7–9
Soil: Average garden soil
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained
Landscape Use: Borders, containers, mass plantings, poolside
COLOCASIA
‘TEA PARTY’ PPAF The lovely play of light on black cupped leaves turns them iridescent shades of red for a dazzling affect in the garden. Water collects in these dramatic leaves. A stunning dwarf elephant ear, Tea Party pairs with many bright, summer perennials for a pleasing effect that causes us to linger a bit longer outdoors. Try the bright colors of our Helenium Mariachi™ series or Phlox Garden Candy™ Bubble Gum and Coral Crème Drop as trendy combos in ground or in containers.
Size: 3’ x 3’
Sun/Shade: Part Sun — prefers afternoon shade
Diseases and Pests: None known
USDA Zones: 8–11
Soil: Average garden soil
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
Landscape Use: Borders, containers, foundations, mass plantings, urban gardens
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GECKO SERIES COLOCASIA
‘BLACK SAPHIRE GECKO’ PPAF
The perfect selection for the back of a garden bed, Black Sapphire Gecko stands tall above most of the other elephant ears in the series, with amazing, black, satin leaves that seem to change their look, depending on the way the light dances across the foliage. Dark stems support nice, tight clumps, and show off the maroon-colored undersides of the leaves. Whether you use it as a backdrop for shorter varieties, or as a specimen up front and center, this is a Gecko worthy of attention!
Size: 4–6’ tall by 4–6’wide
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Diseases and Pests: None known
USDA Zones: 8–11
Soil: Average garden soil
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained and not too soggy
Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
COLOCASIA ‘ELECTRIC BLUE GECKO’ PP 26153 From the Gecko Series of colocasias from breeder Brian Williams of Brian’s Tropicals in Louisville, KY comes this darker than dark new selection. Changing color — like a true gecko — the foliage can look deep purple, black or even metallic-blue in different light. Deep blue stems hold the foliage high about the base, making a lovely vase shaped plant in a container or in the garden.
Size: 3’ tall by 3’wide USDA Zones: 8–11 Sun/Shade: Full Sun Soil: Average garden soil
Diseases and Pests: None known Moisture: Moist, but well-drained and not too soggy Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
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COLOCASIA ‘PAINTED
BLACK GECKO’ PPAF
With leaves being the most important ornamental trait of colocasias, the dark-black leaves of Painted Black Gecko are certain to grab your attention! 3–4’ clumps catch and reflect the light with a shimmering iridescence, offering a unique look between the black tops and the undersides of the leaves, which vary from maroon to gray in color. A moderate grower, Painted Black Gecko is easy to find a spot for, and can be used anywhere you would plant caladiums for that contrasting color only elephant ears can offer.
Size: 3–4’ tall by 3–4’wide USDA Zones: 8–11 Sun/Shade: Full Sun Soil: Average garden soil
Diseases and Pests: None known Moisture: Moist, but well-drained and not too soggy Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
COLOCASIA ‘RED-EYED
GECKO’
Plant a Gecko in your garden or in a pot for instant color and a superior tropical effect. What do Geckos and Elephant Ears have in common? They both like warm weather, and they are uniquely colored. They can also range in size from very small, to quite large. This series has it all. Red-Eyed Gecko is the third to be introduced into this series with its chartreuse foliage and deep red eye — like the eye of a Gecko. This is one unusually bright and sunny selection with strong lime green stems. Keep this one out of hot afternoon sun and you will have a bright, happy beauty all summer long.
Size: 3–4’ tall by 3–4’wide USDA Zones: 8–11 Sun/Shade: Full Sun Soil: Average garden soil
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
Diseases and Pests: None known Moisture: Moist, but well-drained and not too soggy Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
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GIGANTE SERIES COLOCASIA ‘DRAGON
HEART GIGANTE’ PPAF
For years, Brian Williams, the breeder of the Gigante series dreamed of a black-leaved Colocasia gigantea. A plant that could grow 7–8' tall in a single season, a plant with ears as big as elephants; black ears. With great perseverance he worked toward making his dream come true. It’s been said that within every dreamer, beats the heart of a dragon. From this, we bring you ‘Dragon Heart’.
Size: 7–8’ tall by 5–8’wide
Diseases and Pests: None known
USDA Zones: 8–11
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained
Sun/Shade: Part Sun / Afternoon Shade
Landscape Use: Borders, specimens, containers, pool side
Soil: Average garden soil
COLOCASIA ‘FIERCE
GIGANTE’ PPAF
One of the largest plants in the Gigante Series, this new behemoth is arguably the most unique as well. Strong, purple stems form the foundation for large, green, heart-shaped leaves, which are also complimented by purple veins. Once mature, plants regularly produce tall, purple flowers with white spaths, resembling lovely, ornate candles ablaze. A one-of-a-kind plant, this is the first Colocasia we’ve seen with ornamental flowers!
Size: 6–8’ tall by 5–8’wide
Diseases and Pests: None known
USDA Zones: 8–11
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained
Sun/Shade: Part Sun / Afternoon Shade
Landscape Use: Borders, specimens, containers, pool side
Soil: Average garden soil
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
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COLOCASIA ‘IMPERIAL
GIGANTE’ PP 26152
Are you an impatient grower or gardener? This is the series for you. Gigante is Spanish for giants, and boy are they huge. These new tropical elephant ears will grow up to 8 feet tall in one growing season and the leaves on these plants can reach 2–3 feet long. Our incredibly bold, colorful selections are perfectly happy in the ground or in large containers. Make a tropical oasis anywhere you need with the Gigantes. Imperial Gigante shows off massive black leaves each one particularly ornate, accented by light green veins and stems. Robust in nature, these 3–4' long leaves are held horizontally like giant fan blades.
Size: 5–8’ tall by 5–8’wide
Diseases and Pests: None known
USDA Zones: 8–11
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained
Sun/Shade: Part Sun / Afternoon Shade
Landscape Use: Borders, specimens, containers, pool side
Soil: Average garden soil
COLOCASIA
‘MAXIMUS GIGANTE’ PP 28001
With a name like Maximus one might think of the colossal leaves of this taro like giant shields, giving smaller plants a safe and shady respite under its broad canopy. A mighty, upright grower, Maximus has striking, purple leaves with chartreuse veins that often reach 3–5’ long. Capable of growing 6–8’ tall in a single season, it is best to site Maximus in a protected area away from strong winds with 4–8 hours of full sun. In colder areas, large bulbs can be harvested and stored indoors in a cool, dry place for replanting the following spring.
Size: 6–8’ x 5–6’
Sun/Shade: Part Sun — prefers afternoon shade
Diseases and Pests: None known
USDA Zones: 8–11
Soil: Average garden soil
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
Landscape Use: Borders, containers, pool-side, specimens
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TROPI-COOLS™ SERIES COLOCASIA ‘BIKINI-TINI’ Bikini-tini stands above the others, literally, growing 5 to 7 feet tall, the upwardfacing bluish-gray leaves form cups that show off the dark purple petioles and veins. It’s a tetraploid, so it is also strong-stemmed and thick-leaved. For a fun game when it rains, watch the cups of Bikini-tini fill with water, and then tip to pour it out! Children will love this. Part of the Tropi-cool Series, bikini-tini has proven perennial, even where the soil freezes. They will please gardeners everywhere with their bold color and easy to handle sizes.
Size: 5–6’ tall by 30–36” wide
Diseases and Pests: None known
USDA Zones: 6–11
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
Soil: Average Garden Soil, well-drained
COLOCASIA ‘MADIERA’ Midway in size between a caladium and an elephant ear, Madeira grows only 2 to 3 feet tall, adding depth and drama to garden compositions. It is an ideal selection for the mid border or as a foliar element in large containers, where it contrasts and complements brightly colored foliage and flowers. Another great character trait of this new selection is that unlike other blackleaved forms, Madeira will not spread and take over your garden.
Size: 2–3’ tall by 30–36” wide
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Diseases and Pests: None known
USDA Zones: 6–11
Soil: Average Garden Soil, well-drained
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
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COLOCASIA ‘SANGRIA’ A tropical look is easier to attain in northern climes because these tubers overwinter in gardens as cold as zone 6. Part of the Tropi-Cool Series, Sangria has proven perennial, even where the soil freezes. This new selection makes a lovely focal point, sporting vibrant pinkish red petioles, like rhubarb. A closer look reveals the bluish green tint of the leaves and the purple veins that branch throughout the blade.
Size: 4–6’ tall by 30–36” wide
Sun/Shade: Full Sun
Diseases and Pests: None known
USDA Zones: 6–11
Soil: Average Garden Soil, well-drained
Moisture: Moist, but well-drained
Landscape Use: Foundations, mass plantings, borders, urban gardens, containers
KAEMPFERIA ‘PINK
LACE’
A stunning selection bred by our friend Tom Wood, soft-pink orchid-like flowers emerge before the leaves like tiny bouquets that were left by garden fairies. Green leaves display silver, iridescent veining and feathering, and are accented with splashes of pink. Flowers persist among the foliage throughout the summer.
Size: 2–6” tall x 10–15” wide
Sun/Shade: Filtered to Full Shade
Diseases and Pests: None known
Landscape Use: Borders, containers, mass plantings
USDA Zones: 8b–11
Soil: Average Garden Soil
Moisture: Well-drained, especially in winter
Propagation Methods: Tissue culture
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
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KAEMPFERIA ‘SANDY’ One of the largest leaf forms, Sandy makes quite an impression in the shade garden as a stand-alone amid soft textured ferns or when several are planted to form a dense mat. Lilac colored, iridescent flowers appear first, followed by wide, frosted, light-green leaves that are brushed with darker green flecks.
Size: 2–6” tall x 10–15” wide
Sun/Shade: Filtered to Full Shade
Diseases and Pests: None known
Landscape Use: Borders, containers, mass plantings
USDA Zones: 8b–11
Soil: Average Garden Soil
Moisture: Well-drained, especially in winter
Propagation Methods: Tissue culture
KAEMPFERIA ‘SHAZAM’ Introduced by John Banta, this Peacock Ginger has as much contrast in its markings it reminds us of a Bengal cat. Silvery-green leaves are boldly patterned with striking marks of maroon and silver. As with all Kaempferia elegans, glistening purple flowers form among the foliage throughout summer.
For more information visit: www.plantsnouveau.com
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