More Plant Varieties

Learn about several plant varieties and the planting information for each zone.

Elephant Ears (14 of 15)

Colocasia esculenta – Elephant Ears
Note: Some elephant ears will survive the winter in the zone 7 climate, especially the black elephant ears.
Large, tender perennials usually grown as annuals for their bold foliage shaped like elephant ears
Plants have insignificant flowers, but will produce berries in longer growing seasons
Plant in light to partial shade
Plant in rich, organic, moist, but well-drained soil; fertilize monthly
Height: 3-5 feet; Width: 3-5 feet
All parts of the plant are poisonous and the sap can irritate skin
Annual in USDA zones 2-8
Hardy in USDA zones 9-11:
Zones 2-8: Plant in spring after danger of frost has passed; plant in light to partial shade; remove foliage and dig in fall before frost; store in frost-free location for winter or discard plants after killing frost.
Zones 9-11: Plant in spring; plant in partial shade; remove tattered foliage throughout season; fertilize spring through fall.

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