Bat Flower
Tacca chantrieri
Traits
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Mar 4, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Bat Flower
Bat Flower (Tacca chantrieri) is a dramatic tropical perennial from Southeast Asian rainforests that is cold-hardy in NE Florida zone 9b (zones 9b–11). Its extraordinary deep-black bat-wing blooms with whisker-like filaments up to 28 inches long emerge spring through fall above bold dark green foliage, making it a striking specimen for shaded tropical garden beds or containers. Starting at $29.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring, Summer, Fall
- Flower Color
- Purple
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Acidic, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Bloom season. Higher water demand in summer heat. Can be planted with extra attention to watering.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Bat Flower requires bright indirect light or dappled shade — direct sun scorches its large leaves. In NE Florida, plant under a canopy or on a north/east-facing exposure, replicating its rainforest understory habitat.
Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged; allow only the top inch to dry between waterings. In NE Florida's heat and humidity, Bat Flower appreciates mulching and high ambient humidity (60–80%); mist foliage during dry spells.
Plant in rich, organic, well-drained mix — blend compost, perlite, and orchid bark to ensure drainage. Fertilize with a balanced water-soluble fertilizer every 2–4 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall); withhold in winter.
Similar needs
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Shares 4 of the same needs: shade, high water, loam, and zone 9a hardiness.
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Common questions
Is Bat Flower a good plant for St. Augustine?
Bat Flower is a perennial for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 1-3 feet × 1-2 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.