Elephant Ears

Some call them Aracea, some colocasia but the regular term we are used to hearing is the illustrious elephant ear. Why are they called this? Well, just look at its image and description; those large ears that reflect the image of an elephant’s ear. These outrageous leaves can turn any garden into a tropical paradise. Some climates will have to dig ‘em up in the fall and store them while others in the warmer climates, we can leave ours in the ground all year long.

There are so many varieties of the elephant ear family. One of the most striking and beautiful cultivars come from the Alocasi cuprea better known as “wax doll.” Now this is a beauty for sore eyes. This outstanding dwarf variety has dazzling, metallic, copper foliage. It can only grow in Zones 9 and higher though. It may not be found in your local nursery most of the time unless you live in a tropical climate; however, it can be searched for through online bulb companies.

The elephant ear is a tuber; an edible tuber by far and its large foliage will definitely draw interest to your garden. Though they may slowly make an entrance come spring, once summer sets in with its warm temperatures, they will give instant drama while creating a tropical delight.

Upon examining the tuber, the intriguing element is which (end) should be planted upwards. Here’s a tip. One end will look more scraggly (if that’s a word) and that’s the end to plant facing down. The part to be on top will look like a sweet potato (it’ll be kind of spiky and narrowed). Plant it 4 in. depth at least 24 inches apart as they multiply greatly and plant into a well-mixed organic matter with good drainage. Be sure to water in well.

Elephant ears (Colocasia esculenta) will need winter protection in colder climates. You gardeners in colder climates will have to work harder to keep your beauty year round. Once the cold sets in be sure to (cut any leftover foliage) and dig up the tubers well before your last frost and store them over the winter but in tropical climates, they can remain in the ground all year. Take good care of them in the summer as one that becomes low in vigor will become more susceptible to cold damage. (Yes, we in warmer climates do occasionally get a frost.)

When you plant, site them in a partial shade/full shade area, although I had some once in a sunny location and they did fine. However, they did not get as large as they would have prospered and flourished even more in its commonplace of a tropical rainforest setting; that being the shady climate of your garden. Since they need lots of water, placing them in a sunny area was not too smart.

As mentioned before, give them plenty of H20 and a slow release at the beginning of summer. Occasionally, a leaf will have worked its magic to the point of death and will become wilted or yellowed; its at this point you can cut off the leaf. Pruning and fertilizing should be avoided after October as this can stimulate late growth that may lead to freeze injury.

The point to be taken is this is a remarkable plant to have suited either in your garden or in a nice ceramic container. They even do well (selected types) in a water pond. It’s a boggy plant type. It is also critter resistant and will give you leaves you’ll never tire of photographing. It will even give you more bang for your money as they can be divided for even more years of ears to transplant throughout the garden, so get to the nursery and grab some or become an exotic gardener and search for even more excellent centerpieces that stand out amongst the crowd through a reputable mail order company. Whichever you choose, you will never be disappointed.

Try these cultivars: Alocasia ‘Aurora’, Colocasia antiquorum ‘Illustris’, Colocasia esculenta ‘Nancyana’ or my favorite, Colocasis esculenta ‘Black Magic’.