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:
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
In flower about 2 months of the year
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep in moist, rich soil.
- Mist cuttings regularly to maintain humidity.
- Place in partial shade for best growth.
- Water consistently to keep soil moist.
- Mulch around base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- 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
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Lift Store | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
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.
More Colocasia to compare

Black Runner Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Runner'

Taro
Colocasia esculenta

Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Chicago Harlequin'

Black Beauty Taro
Colocasia esculenta 'Black Beauty'

Pink China Elephant Ear
Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China'

Elephant Ear Ruffles
Colocasia esculenta 'Ruffles'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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.




























