Xanthosoma violaceum

(syn: X. nigrum) Xanthosoma violaceum (pronounced Zanthosoma) has long been a favorite elephant ear, but one which had not proven winter hardy in our climate. Plantsman Alan Galloway shared this form that he imported from China that has been hardy for years in his Raleigh NC garden. Originally from Central America, X. violaceum has been spread around the world as a major food crop. In the garden, the 6' tall violet stalks are topped by a 3' long, pointed lobed dark blue-green leaf. In the winter, we recommend piling shredded leaves over the main tuber to preserve the size for the upcoming season....slightly moist, rich soils produce the largest specimens.