All-America Selections has named for the first time a colocasia the 2023 AAS winner in the ornamental category. ‘Waikiki’ is a new intro from the Royal Hawaiian series of colocasia, and the first to garner the award.
‘Waikiki’ competed in the non-seed container trials, which means it was grown from a tuber in gardens throughout North America. Although trialed in a container, ‘Waikiki’ does well in the ground, too. Plant the tuber in spring (Brent and Becky’s Bulbs, Monrovia, Sunset Plant Collection and Southern Living Plant Collection). The plant stays compact at about 3 feet tall but stands up well to wind and rain.
Look closely at the leaf stems (called petioles) and you’ll notice they are deep burgundy, adding to the tropical plant’s attributes. AAS judges said the large, glossy leaves start to color up earlier than other variegated colocasia. The colors in the leaves hold their own without fading even in full sun, they said. ‘Waikiki’ also tolerates part shade.
