Elephant Ear

Colocasia esculenta

Elephant Ears create instant tropical drama — enormous heart-shaped leaves up to 3 feet long on thick stalks that look like they belong in a jungle. 'Black Magic' has deep purple-black leaves; 'Mojito' has lime green splashed with dark purple. They love heat, humidity, and water. In colder zones, dig bulbs in fall and store over winter.

Hardiness Zones

8-11

Sunlight

Partial Sun

Water Needs

High

Maintenance

Low

Mature Size

3-6 ft H × 3-5 ft W

Growth Rate

Fast

Bloom Season

Non-flowering (foliage plant)

Bloom Color

Huge green, purple, or black heart-shaped leaves

Care Guide

Plant bulbs 2-3 inches deep after last frost in rich, moist soil. Partial sun is ideal — full sun is fine with plenty of water. Feed monthly during growing season. In zones 7 and below, dig bulbs after first frost and store in peat moss at 50-60°F. Can grow in standing water — perfect for ponds and rain gardens.

Landscape Uses

Tropical gardensPond edgesRain gardensContainersStatement plantings

Best Growing Regions

southeastsouthwestwest

Great Companion Plants

Canna

Hibiscus

Bird of ParadiseStrelitzia reginae

Japanese Fern

Caladium

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