Alocasia odora (Night-Scented Lily)

A breathtaking beauty, Alocasia odora (Night-Scented Lily) is a rhizomatous evergreen perennial which is terrific for bringing a lush look to gardens or containers. Resembling the ears of an elephant, lustrous, brilliant green, paddle-shaped leaves are borne on strong stems. Large, they can reach 2 ft. in length (60 cm) and 1 ft. in width (30 cm). They are arrow-shaped at their bases and stand upright, pointing skyward, unlike the leaves of Colocasia which droop and point toward the ground. The new leaves are almost lime green and glow nicely until they begin to age and are upstaged by younger leaves. Reminiscent of calla lily flowers, the blossoms consist of a pale peach spathe and spadix. They are wonderfully fragrant, most particularly at night, and bloom in late spring through summer. The seedpods, packed with shiny red berries, are unexpectedly bold. Excellent tender perennial as a focal or specimen plant. Thrives in heat and humidity.

• Grows up to 4-8 ft. high (120-240 cm) and 3 ft. wide (90 cm)
• Performs best in sun or part shade in organically rich, moist to wet soils. Provide a sheltered location to protect the decorative leaves from strong winds. Plants require regular watering and fertilization. Reduce watering in winter.
• Perfect as a green houseplant, for containers or for the shade garden.
• Watch for spider mites, scale, mealy bugs and aphids.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to east and southeast Asia