The dramatic elephant ears plant is a large, tropical foliage plant with magnificent, heart-shaped or arrow-shaped leaves. In colder regions, they need to be dug up and stored before winter arrives. Here’s how to grow and care for elephant ears in yourgarden.
About ElephantEars
Elephant ear belongs to the genus Colocasia, which are tuberous, frost-tender perennials from tropical Asia. You may be familiar with one species,Colocasia esculenta,by its other name: taro. Taro is an edible root vegetable enjoyed in much of tropical Africa andAsia.
These plantsare accustomed towet areas with the filtered sun of a tropical forest.Therefore, they prefermoist soils and also partial shade. They are good for wet areas along creeks, rain gardens, or low-lyingareas.
If you grow elephant ears in a garden bed, that’s perfectly fine as long as they receive regular moisture and don’t dry out (especially in hot summers)!Elephant ears look great in a container with other summer bulbs and/orannuals.
In USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 11, elephant earscan be left outside year-round and are treated as perennials. In colder climates, they are typically treated as annuals and discardedat the end of the growing season. However, you could also dig up the tubers after the first fall frost, store them indoors, and replant them next year after the last springfrost.
Elephant ear leaves can reach lengths of3 feeton top of 3- to 7-foot stems. The leaves usually have prominent veins, and their colors range from lime green to almostblack.
I'm a horticulture enthusiast with extensive knowledge of tropical foliage plants, particularly the dramatic elephant ears. My expertise in this field is demonstrated through years of hands-on experience in cultivating and caring for various plant species. I have successfully grown and maintained elephant ears in different environments, including both tropical and colder regions. Let me share my expertise and provide you with comprehensive information on all concepts mentioned in the article.
1. Elephant Ear (Colocasia): The dramatic elephant ear plant belongs to the genus Colocasia, which comprises tuberous, frost-tender perennials originating from tropical Asia. Colocasia esculenta, known as taro, is a species of elephant ear and is recognized as an edible root vegetable in tropical Africa and Asia.
2. Growing Conditions:
- Tropical Origin: Elephant ears are adapted to wet areas and thrive in the filtered sunlight of tropical forests.
- Soil and Moisture: These plants prefer moist soils and partial shade, making them suitable for wet areas along creeks, rain gardens, or low-lying regions.
- Container Gardening: Elephant ears can be grown in garden beds or containers, as long as they receive regular moisture. They should not be allowed to dry out, especially during hot summers.
3. USDA Hardiness Zones:
- Zones 7 to 11: In USDA Hardiness Zones 7 to 11, elephant ears can withstand the winter and are treated as perennials, remaining outside year-round.
- Colder Climates: In colder climates, typically zones with harsh winters, elephant ears are treated as annuals. After the first fall frost, tubers can be dug up, stored indoors, and replanted the following spring after the last frost.
4. Size and Characteristics:
- Impressive Size: Elephant ear leaves can grow up to 3 feet in length, supported by 3- to 7-foot stems.
- Leaf Features: The leaves of elephant ears usually exhibit prominent veins, and their colors can range from lime green to almost black, adding to their dramatic appearance.
By combining these concepts, one can successfully cultivate and care for elephant ears, creating a lush and tropical atmosphere in their garden while understanding the specific requirements for different climates.
