Elephant Ear
(Alocasia, Colocasia spp)
If you're going for a lush and tropical look, grow one of the large-leaved arum relatives known as elephant ear. Think of them as caladiums on steroids, with the heart-shaped leaves on large varieties such as 'Borneo Giant' (Alocasia 'Borneo Giant', zones 9 to 11) reaching up to 12 feet tall. Most varieties are more modest — at least regarding their size — but they make up for it with eye-popping colors like the bright, dappled lime-green leaves of 'Mojito' (Colocasia 'Mojito', zones 7 to 11) or the nearly black ones of Black Magic (Colocasia 'Black Magic', zones 7 to 11).
USDA zones: 7 to 11 (find your zone)
Water and soil requirements: Tolerant of drought and standing water; thrives in rich soil with ample moisture
Light requirement: Full shade to full sun
Mature size: 2 to 12 feet tall
Bloom time: Spring through summer
Planting tips: Give elephant ears plenty of space. Those in the Southeast United States should avoid planting any elephant ear growing in a drainage ditch, as it is likely the invasive Colocasia aquatica and will take over your garden.
Elephant Ear (Alocasia, Colocasia spp) If you're going for a lush and tropical look, grow one of the large-leaved arum relatives known as elephant ear. Think of them as caladiums on steroids, with the heart-shaped leaves on large varieties such as 'Borneo Giant' (Alocasia 'Borneo Giant', zones 9 to 11) reaching up to 12 feet tall. Most varieties are more modest — at least regarding their size — but they make up for it with eye-popping colors like the bright, dappled lime-green leaves of 'Mojito' (Colocasia 'Mojito', zones 7 to 11) or the nearly black ones of Black Magic (Colocasia 'Black Magic', zones 7 to 11). USDA zones: 7 to 11 (find your zone) Water and soil requirements: Tolerant of drought and standing water; thrives in rich soil with ample moisture Light requirement: Full shade to full sun Mature size: 2 to 12 feet tall Bloom time: Spring through summer Planting tips: Give elephant ears plenty of space. Those in the Southeast United States should avoid planting any elephant ear growing in a drainage ditch, as it is likely the invasive Colocasia aquatica and will take over your garden.
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