Elephant Ear Plants
Alcea (Hollyhock)
Achillea
Agapanthus
Agastache
Aquilegia
Arctotis
Astrantia
Buddliea
Buddliea Altternifolia
Butterfly Weed
Catananche caerulea
Canna Lilly
Carnation
Coreopsis
Delphinium
Echinacea
Echinops
Eryngium
Geranium
Gerbera
Geum
Gypsophila
Helenium
Herbs
Hosta
Iris
Lantana
Leucanthemum
Lupins
Monarda
Penstemon
Peonies
Phlox
Polemonium
Rudbeckia
Sidalcea
Tanacetum (Pyrethrum)
Thalictrum
Trollius
Verbena
Veronica
Banana Plants
Elephant Ear
Daylillies
Canna Lilly
Cordyline
Ginger Lilly
Plumeria
Strobilanthes (Persian Shield)
Alton
Aresford
Burley
Ellingham & Ringwood
Emsworth
Hamble
Petersfield
Ringwood
Southsea
Southampton Bedford Place
Winchester The Broadway
Black Magic Elephant Ear
Elephant ear is the name given to plants with large foliage shaped like a pachyderm’s ear. Many produce white
spathes and spadix flower forms. From giant plants reaching almost 10 feet (3 m.) tall to diminutive 2-foot (0.5 m.) tall
species, elephant ear plant types are all excellent in partial shade to full sun in rich, moist soil. There are four types of
plants called elephant ears: Colocasia, Caladium, Alocasia and Xanthosoma.
Colocasia
The first of the elephant ear plant types is Colocasia. Colocasia is native to swampy areas of Asia and spans 200
species. Leaves may grow up to 3 feet (1 m.) in length and 2 feet (0.5 m.) across. The heart-shaped leaves can reach
8 feet (2.5 m.) in height on long rigid petioles.
Caladium
Caladium is the name for common elephant ear plants found in nurseries. These foliage plants are perennial and can
be hardy in most parts of the UK. This much smaller elephant ear species only reaches 2 feet (0.5 m.) in height with
foliage measuring 8 to 12 inches (20-30.5 cm.) in length.
Alocasia
Alocasia produces calla lily like blooms on 6-foot (2 m.) tall plants with arrow-shaped foliage.
Xanthosoma
Xanthosoma need temperatures consistently over 68 degrees Fahrenheit (20 C.). The arrow-shaped blades typically
have decorative veins. Xanthosoma is not commonly cultivated
Growing All Elephant Ear Plant Types
If you live in a warm region, you can start your elephant ears right into a prepared garden bed. Northern gardeners
should start them indoors in well-draining soil, or in a greenhouse. These plants perform well in either acidic, clay,
sandy or loamy soils. They do very well in a half day of full sun but can thrive in a full day with a little protection, such
as dappling from an above tree.
Alocasia can spread quickly, as can Colocasia in warm regions. If they become a pest, move the plants to containers
to control them. Each of the different elephant ear plants has a slightly different cultivation range regarding water.
Colocasia is a wetland plant that requires consistent moisture while the other species need less water and cannot
stand to be soggy. Alocasia is especially sensitive to boggy conditions so ensure a soil that drains well.
Care and Feeding of Elephant Ears
Each of these spectacular elephant ear plant types is fairly easy to grow. Bring the smaller forms, such as most
Alocasia, indoors in winter to grow until temperatures warm. Larger plants, like Colocasia, can stay in the ground but
the foliage may die back if the temperatures get cool. Spread thick mulch around the root zone to protect the bulbs and
in spring they will redevelop. In cold regions, dig up the bulbs, allow them to dry for a day or two and then save them in
mesh bags in a cool, dry area. Many of these plants can be sensitive to tap water. It is a good idea to use rainwater
when possible or at least allow your tap water to sit for a day before applying to the plant. Use a diluted liquid plant
food starting in spring once per month.
Prune off foliage as it dies or gets damaged. Watch for slugs, snails, and caterpillars, whose feeding activities can
damage the beautiful foliage.
Colocasia Mojito "Speckled Elephant Ears"
Elephant Ear Illustris
Elephant Ears Colocasia, & Alocasia
