The Wildest Elephant Ear We’ve Ever Released

Back in 2016, I was breeding a large number of new Colocasia hybrids, and some truly interesting plants began to emerge. From those seedlings, we selected a few with standout traits—Pharaoh’s Mask, Pharaoh’s Mask Red, and Redemption. Most of our selections are chosen to be nice, medium-sized Colocasia, typically reaching around 4 to 5 feet tall with a more standard, garden-friendly look.

But as a plant person, my interest has always leaned toward the plants that sit on the outer edges of “normal.” The odd ones. The dramatic ones. The ones that don’t quite fit the standard mold. It often felt like I had to fight to bring those types of plants to market. I loved them, and I figured there had to be a group of other plant lovers out there who would love them too.

Thankfully, over the past few years, the number of serious plant collectors has grown tremendously. That shift has created space for more unusual and bold hybrids to find their place in the market—which makes me extremely happy.

Colocasia ‘Jurassic Jellyfish’ falls squarely into that category.

It comes from the same bloodlines as Colocasia ‘Pharaoh’s Mask’ and other related hybrids. I remember seeing it early on in the trial fields and test garden. It was massive—growing around 7 feet tall in its first season in rich, organic sandy soil in part shade. The petioles were dark purple, supporting enormous leaves nearly 3 feet long that hung in an exaggerated droop.

This drooping habit is almost the reverse of the cupped-up hybrids. Instead of lifting upward, it cascades downward—and that trait gives it one of the most unique silhouettes of any elephant ear I’ve grown.

The foliage is dark blue-green with puckered, raised purple veins that add even more texture and drama. It has an otherworldly look—almost prehistoric in feel. I was instantly in love.

I figured that anyone who loved Pharaoh’s Mask would surely love its giant, drooping cousin.

During trials, though, it received some very polarized reviews. The negatives were usually along the lines of: “It’s too thirsty.” “It’s just too big.” “It looks scary.” “It’s creepy.” These comments were often delivered while metaphorically clutching pearls.

Then there was the other group—the ones like me—jaw dropped and completely smitten. They understood that one of the best parts of growing elephant ears is that they get big… with big leaves. This group was the truly dangerous one, because they were usually trying to sneak a piece home with them.

Thankfully, that second group has grown over the years. And now plants like Colocasia ‘Jurassic Jellyfish’ have a place in the market—and in gardens—where neighbors can peer over the fence in awe (and maybe just a little fear) as this huge, prehistoric-looking plant emerges from the landscape.