Elephant Ears
Uses:
- Tropical Garden Focal Point
- Background Foliage Accent
- Container Thriller
Features:
- Loves Hot & Humid Weather
- Makes Excellent Houseplants
- Giant Colorful Leaves on Tall Stems
Sunlight:
- Full Shade to Full Sun
- Depends on the Specific Variety
Growing Zones:
- 3-9
- What is My Zone?
Go big and bold with the giant leaves of elephant ears. Depending on the variety, you can plant these nearly anywhere, including rain gardens, planters, indoors or tropical landscapes.
Growing Elephant Ears
Elephant Ear is also known as Colocasia or Caladium. Though related, the plants have different growing preferences. Many Colocasia like soggy soil and tropical conditions. Caladiums like humidity and average water, but do not fare well in wet soil.
The Best Way to Use Elephant Ears
Use Elephant Ear as a border plant or as a focal point in the landscape. Add Elephant Ear to a large container as a thriller and to add a tropical feel to patios and balconies. Plant several together to form a mass planting packed with unique foliage. Some Elephant Ears are winter hardy to growing zones 8 to 11, but annuals and houseplants in colder regions. Caladium plants can grow to about 2 feet tall and Colocasia to nearly 5 feet tall and wide.
Elephant Ear Companion Plants
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.
