Colocasia ‘Elephant Ears’

Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta) is a spectacular tropical perennial grown for its enormous, glossy, deep green leaves with lightly pronounced veins. Their elephant ear-like shape and majestic habit create an architectural silhouette that immediately draws attention. Its rapid growth allows it to reach 120 to 150 cm (48 to 60 in) tall and quickly transform summer landscapes into lush tropical settings. Flowering is discreet and secondary, as the foliage is the plants main ornamental feature. Not hardy in Quebec, this Zone 10 plant must be protected from cold temperatures and overwintered in a frost-free location.

Plant the rhizome in spring after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has thoroughly warmed, approximately 10 cm (4 in) deep. Position it horizontally in rich, organic, consistently moist, and well-drained soil, leaving approximately 60 cm (24 in) between plants. Choose a warm location in partial sun to partial shade with bright light protected from intense, scorching sun. Water generously to keep the soil consistently moist without allowing it to become waterlogged, then fertilize every two weeks. Before the first frost, lift the rhizome and store it in a warm, dry, frost-free location.

Elephant Ear is ideal for tropical gardens, lush borders, patios, pond edges, and very large containers at least 50 cm (20 in) in diameter. Its monumental foliage pairs beautifully with cannas, caladiums, ferns, hostas, and ligularias to create plantings rich in volume and contrast. It can also be grown indoors in a very bright room with good ambient humidity. This plant is intended primarily for ornamental use and offers little particular value to pollinators. Its raw plant parts contain irritating calcium oxalates and must not be consumed.