Common Name:
Elephant Ear

Scientific Name:
Colocasia esculenta

Plant Profile & Needs:

When grown as a warm-season annual, this spectacular foliage plant can give a tropical feel to areas with the coldest of winters. Its gigantic, heart-shaped, dark-green leaves tower over other plants, adding height and drama to the border. Taro tolerates a wide variety of conditions, thriving in well-drained soil or when submerged in the water garden. Its foliage colors range from vibrant green to purplish-black. This is a fun plant for children.   It will grow nicely in larger containers. Be sure to fertilize regularly. They do well in rich and organic soil.

In areas where they must be taken up for the winter, keep the tubers dry while dormant. Divide in the spring when setting out.

Plant Profile & Needs:

Plant type: tender perennial treated as annual, bulb or bulblike plant, houseplant
Hardiness Zones: 9 to 11
Light: full sun to part shade
Height: 36 in. to 5 ft. Spread up to 36 in.
Soil: fertile
Soil pH: slightly acidic to neutral, pH 6.5-7
Soil moisture: moist
Bloom time: rarely seen on cultivated plants
Flower color: white (spathe and spadix)
Foliage color: dark-green (heart-shaped to arrow-shaped leaves)
Foliage size: up to 24 in.

Planting Notes:

Prune yellowing foliage to the ground. Where not hardy, dig up tubers after frost has blackened leaves. Store in a dry, frost-free location.

Care:

Maintain soil moisture all season. Apply a balanced all-purpose fertilizer monthly, following label directions.