Colocasia esculenta 'Pink China' (often called Elephant Ear or Taro) is renowned as one of the most cold hardy elephant ears available (zone 6). It features massive, heart-shaped green leaves set against striking mauve-pink stems and is an excellent architectural choice for bringing a tropical look to temperate garden. We like this choice as a potted pond plant since it thrives in boggy margins and shallow pond water up to a few inches deep. 

Elephant ear grows best in full sun to part shade. You can grow Pink China in full sun but it requires significantly more water to thrive. In sunny conditions, the plant's signature pink stems tend to become much more vibrant and intensely. It prefers rich, fertile, and consistently moist soil but will also grow well in shallow water up to several inches deep. Regular watering is key, especially during hot weather, as drying out can stunt growth. In regions with a long, warm season, this plant produces rapid, vigorous growth, reaching its mature size in a single summer. In colder climates, it can be grown as an annual or overwintered indoors as a dormant tuber. In frost-free zones, it behaves as a perennial and will return each year if kept protected from extended cold snaps.

This elephant ear typically reaches 3 to 5 feet tall with a similar spread, forming a dense, clump-like mound of upright stems topped with broad leaves. The striking red stems rise boldly from the base, making them especially visible when planted in elevated containers or tiered garden beds. Its compact size compared to larger Colocasia varieties allows it to fit into smaller garden spaces while still delivering dramatic tropical appeal.

Like other Colocasia species, Pink China contains calcium oxalate crystals and is considered toxic if ingested by pets or humans. Contact with sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals, so gloves are recommended when handling. When planted outdoors, it is generally avoided by deer and rabbits, adding to its low-maintenance appeal.