Alocasia odora - Night-scented Lily

Adopt the Alocasia odora for its lush foliage in a beautiful bright green, but also for its fragrant flowering. This 'Elephant Ear' blooms in summer during hot days and nights. Its flowers consist of a spadix and a spathe in shades of yellow-green, emitting a sweet scent that can be smelled from several meters away. This exotic perennial plant is not very hardy. Cultivate it in open ground if you live in a mild region. Otherwise, prefer growing it in a pot or as an indoor plant.

Originally from India, China, and the Philippines, the Alocasia odora is a rhizomatous perennial plant related to Arums belonging to the arum family. It particularly appreciates humid atmospheres. This herbaceous plant develops from a tuberous rhizome, forming an upright clump that can reach 1.5 m in height and usually develops a small trunk about fifty centimeters high. In our climates, it is rare for it to form such a trunk, the leaves usually emerge from the base, carried by tall upright stems. Its peltate and veined leaves measure over 1 m long. From July to September, fragrant inflorescences form, consisting of a green spathe and a yellow-green spadix. They are followed by red berries when ripe.

Unprotected Alocasia odora can tolerate short frosts down to -4°C. Under a thick layer of mulch, its stump can withstand temperatures down to -10°C. The foliage will likely disappear, but the stump will sprout again in the following spring. In cold climates, it is preferable to grow it in a container and store it in a conservatory during winter. It is also an excellent indoor plant to place in a bright room without direct sunlight. This exotic plant will bring a 'Jungle effect' to your garden. Install it in a partially shaded area, paired with a Musella lasiocarpa and a Canna 'En Avant' with bright yellow flowers. This lover of moist soil will find its place on the banks of a water feature, accompanied by Iris ensata 'Sensation' with magnificent purple flowers and Juncus effusus 'Spiralis'.