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Xanthosoma violaceum (Blue taro)
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1 hour care
per year
per year
2.5m
Max height
Max height
2m
Max spread
Max spread
2-5 years
To maturity
To maturity
Low
Toxicity
Toxicity
Plant details
Botanical name
Xanthosoma violaceum
Other names
Blue taro, Blue tannia, Yautia, Xanthosoma nigrum
Genus
Xanthosoma Xanthosoma
Species
X. violaceum - X. violaceum is a tender, upright perennial with edible tubers and dark purple stems bearing large, arrow-shaped, often purple-flushed, blue-green leaves. Flowers are rarely produced in cultivation.
Xanthosoma violaceum is: Evergreen
Habit
Upright
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested raw.
Flower
Insignificant or absent in Summer
Foliage
Blue-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Snails Snails
Root rot Root rot
General care
Pruning
Remove faded or dead leaves as necessary.
Propagation
Divide in winter.
Propagation methods
Division
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Where to grow
Xanthosoma violaceum (Blue taro) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Indoor, Greenhouse, Containers, Architectural, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow under glass in loam-based compost with added well-rotted manure and leaf mould in moderate light. Water freely and feed every 2-3 weeks in growth, moderately in winter. Needs a minimum of 21C to remain evergreen. In frost free areas, grow in neutral to slightly acid, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil n partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Soil type
Loamy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade
Aspect
East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
Companion plants
We do not currently have companion plants added for this plant.
Botanical name
Xanthosoma violaceum
Other names
Blue taro, Blue tannia, Yautia, Xanthosoma nigrum
Genus
Xanthosoma Xanthosoma
Species
X. violaceum - X. violaceum is a tender, upright perennial with edible tubers and dark purple stems bearing large, arrow-shaped, often purple-flushed, blue-green leaves. Flowers are rarely produced in cultivation.
Foliage
Evergreen
Habit
Upright
Toxicity
All parts are toxic if ingested raw.
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Colour
Flower
Insignificant or absent in Summer
Foliage
Blue-green in All seasons
How to care
Watch out for
Specific pests
Specific diseases
General care
Pruning
Remove faded or dead leaves as necessary.
Propagation
Divide in winter.
Propagation methods
Division
Monthly care advice
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Where to grow
Xanthosoma violaceum (Blue taro) will reach a height of 2.5m and a spread of 2m after 2-5 years.
Suggested uses
Indoor, Greenhouse, Containers, Architectural, Sub-Tropical
Cultivation
Grow under glass in loam-based compost with added well-rotted manure and leaf mould in moderate light. Water freely and feed every 2-3 weeks in growth, moderately in winter. Needs a minimum of 21C to remain evergreen. In frost free areas, grow in neutral to slightly acid, fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil n partial shade. Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Soil type
Loamy
Soil drainage
Moist but well-drained
Soil pH
Acid, Alkaline, Neutral
Light
Partial Shade
Aspect
East, West
Exposure
Sheltered
UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.
Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3)
USDA zones
Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8
In order to add a note on this plant, please add this plant to your plant lists.
| This plant likes... | Garden match | |
| Soil types: | Loamy | Tell us... |
| Soil drainage: | Moist but well-drained | Tell us... |
| Soil pH: | Acid, Alkaline, Neutral | Tell us... |
| Light: | Partial Shade | Tell us... |
| Aspect: | East, West | Tell us... |
| Exposure: | Sheltered | Tell us... |
| Hardiness: | Indoor heated (H1), Tender in frost (H3) | Tell us... |
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