perennial

Nancy's Revenge

Colocasia esculenta 'Nancy's Revenge'

The Story

Plant Bio

Colocasia esculenta 'Nancy's Revenge' is a lush, tropical perennial with large, heart-shaped leaves that create a dramatic foliage display, and it produces tall stems with distinctive, understated flowers.

This cultivar is renowned for its vibrant, deep purple foliage that provides striking contrast and visual interest in shaded garden areas.

Uses & Benefits:

Ornamental UsesCreates a lush, tropical atmosphere with dramatic foliage.
Practical UsesHelps control soil moisture in wet areas.
Ecological BenefitsProvides habitat for pond insects and amphibians.
SpeciesColocasia esculentaTaro

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Perennial

Height

24 inches

Width

36 inches

Light

Partial Sun, Shade

Zones

4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9

Water

Consistently moist

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Perennial

Native To

Tropical Asia

Toxicity

Toxic to pets if ingested

Bloom period

Mid-summer – Late summer

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In flower about 2 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

  1. Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep in moist, rich soil.
  2. Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
  3. Place in partial shade for best growth.
  4. Water consistently to keep soil moist.
  5. Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
  6. Divide every 3-4 years in early spring.

Pro Tip

Ensure soil remains consistently moist for vigorous growth.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

  • Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
  • Mulch to retain soil moisture
  • Provide partial shade during hot summer days

Don't

  • Avoid letting soil dry out completely ❌
  • Don’t expose to full direct sun in peak summer
  • Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent leaf burn

Seasonal Care Calendar

TaskJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Fertilize
Lift Store
Pest Check
Plant

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Tropical pond borderShade garden focal pointVanilla-scented border

Companion Plants

Ferns Hostas Caladiums Taro Elephant ears

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Nancy's Revenge questions

What zones can Nancy's Revenge grow in?

Nancy's Revenge is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.

Is Nancy's Revenge deer resistant?

Not reliably. Deer may browse Nancy's Revenge, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.

When does Nancy's Revenge bloom?

Nancy's Revenge typically blooms in mid-summer through late summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Nancy's Revenge need full sun?

Nancy's Revenge does best in part shade.

Keep exploring

Grow Nancy's Revenge with confidence

See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.