Colocasia Esculenta

Elephant Ears

Note: This is an archive page preserved for informational use.
Cultural and Growing Info is provided below.


Covers Some Major Real Estate
Jade green, heart-shaped leaves cascade downward from long stems. The substantial scalloped-edged foliage of Colocasia esculenta, about 2’ long, dons conspicuous veining – perfect for creating hypertufa containers. Give this bold beauty plenty of elbow room as Elephant Ears will provide dramatic impact in just one season. This species is commercially grown as a food crop in Hawaii – poi is made from the tubers; commonly called taro. *NOTE: Bulbs will need to be lifted in fall in zones 3-7.

Code BCOES

Patent

Plant Type Bulbs

Species

Height Tall 3-5'

Spacing Plant 3-6' apart

Bloom Time Not Applicable

Sun / Shade Mostly Sunny to Mostly Shady

Zones 3-10

Soil Type Normal, Acidic

Water Needs Medium

Sold In Bags of 1

Special Features

  • Deer Resistant
  • OK in Containers
  • Shade Tolerant

Colocasia General Information

Showy plants provide a bold, tropical look. Great used for a dense screening or attractive in patio containers. Popular for their rapid growth, they create a dramatic impact to any landscape within just one season. *NOTE: Bulbs will need to be lifted in fall in zones 3-7. Will be an annual except in zones 8-10 but can be stored over the winter in colder zones. Instructions

Colocasia Plant Care

Hardy in Zones 8-10. Elephant Ears are easy to grow. They prefer rich, moist soil and part sun to partial shade. Bulbs can be planted indoors approximately eight weeks prior to the last frost. If growing in pots; use a rich, organic potting soil and plant bulb with blunt end down about 3 to 5” deep. Harden off the plants for about a week prior to placing outdoors. If planting directly outdoors, plant 3 to 5” deep once the threat of frost and/or freezing temperature have subsided. If desired, apply a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote® to the soil according to the product’s instructions. Lift tubers in the fall in zones 3-7. Cut foliage back in fall after the first frost to about 2” inches and carefully dig up the bulb. Allow to dry out for approximately 2 days and then store in peat moss or shavings in a cool, dark area.

100% Guarantee

We offer a 100% guarantee for all our accent annuals and bulbs to reach you in good condition and come up. If you're not satisfied, we'll reship or refund immediately. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have questions or concerns—we share your passion for gardening and want your new plants to thrive in your border!

Shipping Details

We ship accent annuals and bulbs based on the best planting time for your growing zone (see the approximate dates below), unless otherwise indicated at checkout. If you wish, you can indicate a specific ship date during checkout.

Spring-Planted Accent Annuals

  • Zone 3, 4: Early to Mid May
  • Zone 5: Late April to Early May
  • Zone 6: Mid to Late April
  • Zone 7: Early to Mid April
  • Zone 8,9, 10: Early April

Fall-Planted Bulbs

  • Zone 2, 3, 4: Early September
  • Zone 5: Early to Mid September
  • Zone 6: Mid September
  • Zone 7: Mid to Late September
  • Zone 8, 9, 10: Late September to Early October

Holiday Bulbs

  • Early November through mid December