Elephant Ears bring instant tropical drama with huge, bold leaves that turn any bed or container into a showpiece. They grow fast and add lush, resort-style impact all summer.
Elephant Ears, the common name for plants in the Colocasia and Caladium genera, are tropical plants with broad, colorful foliage, ranging from deep green to striking shades of purple or variegated patterns. Caladium plants can grow to about 2 feet tall and Colocasia to nearly 5 feet tall and wide! Some Elephant Ears are winter hardy to growing zones 8 to 11, and grown as annuals and houseplants in colder regions.
Container thriller
Water or tropical garden accent
Focal point or speciment plant
Typically 2 to 5 feet in size
Growing zones 8 to 11 as perennial
Bring indoors during the winter in zones 7 & below
Southeast Asia, India, and parts of the Pacific Islands
Plant Type:
Annuals
Foliage Type:
Herbaceous
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
8 - 11
Flower Color:
White, Yellow
Flower Bloom Time:
Late Spring to Summer
Growth Habit:
Upright, Spreading
Attracts:
primarily grown for foliage
Tolerates:
Heat, Moisture, Humidity, Partial to Full Shade
Resists:
Deer, Rabbits
How To Use Elephant Ears In The Garden
Elephant ears command attention with their oversized, dramatic foliage that brings a tropical feel to any planting scheme. Their leaves, which can grow up to several feet in length, vary in shape and color depending on the species. These plants are water lovers and ideal for damp or boggy areas, though they can also adapt to drier conditions with consistent watering. Their bold appearance adds instant visual impact.
These plants can serve as central features in garden beds or highlights in mixed borders, where their distinct texture contrasts beautifully with finer-leaved plants. Plant several together to form a mass planting packed with unique foliage. They are equally striking in large containers, where their upright growth adds height and drama to patios or entryways. In water features, elephant ears can create a lush, reflective display when planted at the edges, making them a popular choice for creative landscaping.
Types of Elephant Ears
Type
Representative Scientific Name(s)
Native Range
Foliage
USDA Zones
Uses
Features
Taro / Elephant Ear
Colocasia spp.
Tropical S. Asia & India
Huge heart-shaped leaves held downward; green to near-black, some variegated
7 – 12 (tuber lifted north of 8)
Bold specimen, pond margins, rain gardens, large containers
Edible tubers (taro); many new dark-leaf cultivars; can naturalize/invasive Gulf Coast
African Mask / Upright Elephant Ear
Alocasia spp.
S. Asia, Indonesia, N. Australia
Arrow/heart leaves held upright; striking veins, glossy texture
Plant elephant ears in spring, selecting a site with full sun to partial shade and moist, well-draining soil. Dig holes 2-4 times wider than the tubers, placing them just below the surface. Maintain consistent moisture, providing 2-3 inches of water weekly, as these plants are sensitive to dry conditions. Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly during the growing season to support their substantial nutrient needs.
Regularly prune aging or yellowing leaves by cutting them off at the stem with a disinfected blade to promote healthy growth. In colder climates, after the first frost, dig up the tubers and store them indoors until replanting in spring. For container growth, use an extra-large pot with drainage holes and a mix of potting soil and compost, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist.
In regions prone to frost, it's crucial to dig up elephant ear bulbs, called corms, after the first frost causes the foliage to die back and turn brown. Carefully excavate the corms, ensuring the shovel goes beneath them to lift out the entire root system. Gently separate any new offsets from the main corm, remove excess soil, and trim the roots without cutting into the bulb itself. Cut off the remaining green growth above the corm, being cautious not to damage the it.
Once prepared, place the corms in a cardboard box or tray that allows for good air circulation and doesn't retain moisture. Store them in a cool, dry location with temperatures around 40-45°F (4-7°C), such as a garage or basement that doesn't freeze. Regularly inspect the corms over the next several weeks to ensure there's no mold or rot developing. If mold appears, remove it promptly. As the bulbs dry out, remove any remaining plant parts to prevent mold growth.
Pair Elephant Ears with plants that have similar watering and sun needs, but smaller foliage and colorful flowers. Canna, ferns and coleus are a great pairing together with elephant ears. In containers, grow smaller flowering plants like african daisies, begonias, fuchsia and bacopa. Trailing plants like sweet potato vines also make great combinations in containers with elephant ears.
