Moderate to high water needs; water deeply and regularly during active growth, keeping soil evenly moist. Reduce watering substantially during winter dormancy.
Size
4-6 ft tall × 2-3 ft wide
Habit
Perennial clump
Toxicity
Non-toxic
Description
A rhizomatous tropical perennial with bold, banana-like leaves and upright clusters of red flowers; adds lush texture to irrigated Phoenix gardens.
Dwarf papyrus, Elephant ears, Society garlic, Tropical hibiscus
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
Care Instructions
Light: Full sun to partial shade; morning sun with afternoon shade helps prevent leaf scorch in Phoenix summers.
Water: Moderate to high water needs; water deeply and regularly during active growth, keeping soil evenly moist. Reduce watering substantially during winter dormancy.
Soil: Rich, moisture-retentive, well-drained soil amended with compost; mulch to conserve moisture and cool roots.
Mature size: Typically 4–6 feet tall and 2–3 feet wide; rhizomes gradually spread into wider colonies.
Bloom: Late spring through fall, with repeated flowering when moisture and nutrients are adequate; extreme heat may reduce bloom.
Evergreen / deciduous: Herbaceous perennial; often winter-dormant in Zone 9b. Frost kills foliage, but mulched rhizomes usually overwinter in the ground.
Growth rate: Fast during warm weather with adequate water and nutrients.