Elephant Ear

Elephant Ear (Colocasia esculenta) is prized for its large, dramatic, heart-shaped leaves that arch from a central stem, adding an instant tropical feel to shaded borders, pond edges or containers. It thrives in moist to wet soils and offers bold foliage texture all season. In cooler Canadian regions, tubers are lifted after the first frost and overwintered indoors for spring replanting, making it both versatile and eye-catching in diverse garden settings.

Key Features
• Botanical name: Colocasia esculenta
• Common name: Elephant Ear
• Hardiness zones: Canada Zone 9–11 (overwinter tubers indoors in colder zones)
• Exposure: Part shade to full shade
• Soil: Rich, moist to wet, well-drained soils
• Water needs: High; consistent moisture required
• Size at maturity: 1–2 m tall × 0.6–1.2 m wide (3–6 ft × 2–4 ft)
• Foliage: Glossy, large heart-shaped leaves
• Shape: Clumping habit
• Maintenance: Moderate; lift and store tubers after frost, divide clumps every 2–3 years
• Advantages: Striking tropical foliage; ideal for containers and water gardens; deer-resistant